Date: Sunday, June 29, 2025
Venue: St Aloysius Higher Primary School, Mangaluru
The St Aloysius Higher Primary School Alumni Association, under the banner of the St Aloysius College Alumni Association (SACAA), in collaboration with Chess Hive, a premier institution for chess training, successfully organized the much-anticipated inter-district rapid chess tournament ‘CHESS-A-THON 2025’ on Sunday, June 29, at the school campus.
The tournament aimed to nurture young chess talents and promote the culture of the game across the region. It received an enthusiastic response, with 301 participants from Dakshina Kannada and surrounding districts. With prizes worth over ₹50,000, the event drew in both rising young players and seasoned chess lovers.
CHESS-A-THON 2025 featured six competitive age categories: Under-7, Under-9, Under-11, Under-13, Under-16, and also a special St. Aloysius Alumni category. The tournament followed the ‘Rapid Format’ under Swiss-system rules, with each category conducting 5 to 7 rounds of high-intensity chess. A team of seasoned arbiters – Denzil Cutinha, Subodh Kumar, SNA Nayana Kumar, NA Rahul, and Soundarya U.K. – ensured the smooth and fair conduct of the matches, under the able guidance of Chief Arbiter FA Sakshath U.K. Their professionalism and coordination were instrumental in the tournament’s success.
The event was inaugurated by Mr. Michael D’Souza, noted philanthropist and supporter of youth engagement initiatives. In his address, he emphasized the value of focus, discipline, and mental agility that chess imparts to young minds.
The main quiz rounds were planned between 10 am and 4.30 pm with a 45 min break for lunch.
The main sponsor of the event was Cauvery TATA Mangalore.
The associate sponsors of the event were Ather, Alumni batches of the year 1998-99 (10th Std) and 2000-01 (10th Std)
The general sponsors of the event were Kanachur Hospital, SIP Abacus, Bharath bookmark. Edelweiss Insurance, IndusInd Bank and the SSLC batch of 1997-98 (10th Std).
One of the most exciting and memorable moments of the event was the simultaneous chess exhibition (also known as SIMUL) by International Master (IM) Viani D’Cunha, who played against 12 selected participants at the same time. This rare opportunity gave aspiring players firsthand experience of playing against a master and left the audience inspired and in awe.
Trophies and cash prizes were presented to the top five performers in each category, while all participants received certificates of participation, recognizing their enthusiasm, dedication, and sportsmanship.
CHESS-A-THON 2025 was more than just a tournament—it was a celebration of intellect, perseverance, and community spirit. The event brought together players, mentors, chess enthusiasts, staff, students, alumni and management further enriching the vibrant chess culture of Mangaluru and carrying forward the proud legacy of the St Aloysius institutions.
