Jaffna Set to Host Third Edition of International Chess Championship This December.
By Umaibalan,Vathanaruban
Jaffna, Sri Lanka – The historic city of Jaffna will once again play host to the Jaffna International Chess Championship (JICC) this December, as the tournament returns for its third edition with a record prize pool of Rs. 2.4 million — the highest in Sri Lankan chess history.
Organised by the Jaffna District Chess Association (JDCA), the championship has grown into one of the most prestigious events on the national sports calendar, attracting strong local participation and international interest.
The 2025 edition is expected to draw players from across Sri Lanka and abroad, including school-level competitors, university teams, corporate participants, and representatives from the Mechalite sector, in addition to top-rated international masters. With over 20 titled players from India expected to compete, the event promises a challenging and enriching experience for local talent.
Rapid Rise in Prestige
Since its inception in 2023, the JICC has gained a reputation as a premier chess tournament in South Asia. The inaugural edition was won by International Master (IM) Anup Deshmukh from Nagpur, India, while the 2024 title went to IM Nubairshah Shaikh from Mumbai.
The second edition, held in December 2024, made headlines with its historic prize pool of Rs. 2.4 million — a figure that will be matched again in 2025. The tournament also witnessed record participation, including hundreds of rated and unrated players.
Organisers say this year’s championship will maintain the same high standards, with the JDCA committed to promoting chess both as a competitive sport and as a community-building activity.
A Tournament for All Levels
Unlike many major chess tournaments that focus solely on elite players, the JICC is noted for its inclusivity. The 2025 edition will feature multiple categories, including open, women’s, school, university, corporate, and Mechalite divisions.
This approach, according to the JDCA, reflects the broader goal of making chess accessible to all Sri Lankans — from schoolchildren taking their first competitive steps to seasoned professionals looking to sharpen their skills.
“We want every participant to feel proud of playing in Jaffna,”‖ said a JDCA spokesperson. “This is more than a competition — it’s a celebration of chess, culture, and community.”
Boost for Local Talent
The championship has played a significant role in elevating local players onto the international stage. During the 2023 edition, 72 participants earned their first-ever FIDE ratings, marking the largest single-event increase in rated players in Sri Lanka’s history.
The 2025 tournament is expected to offer similar opportunities for young and emerging players, particularly from the Northern Province, to test their skills against internationally ranked opponents.
International Exposure and Cultural Exchange
Beyond the competition itself, the JICC has become a platform for cultural and sporting exchange. Visiting players and their families often explore Jaffna’s historic temples, landmarks, and cuisine, contributing to the city’s growing reputation as a hub of tourism and heritage.
For Sri Lankan players, particularly juniors, the chance to compete against foreign masters provides invaluable exposure, helps develop strategic depth, and inspires higher levels of play.
Recognition and Rewards
Matching last year’s record-setting prize pool, the Rs. 2.4 million on offer in 2025 will be distributed across all categories, along with trophies and medals. The JDCA says the financial incentives are designed to motivate players and reward excellence at every level of competition.
The prize structure has not only raised the profile of the event but also underscored the importance of chess as a serious sport in Sri Lanka.
Symbol of Resilience and Growth
In recent years, Jaffna has been re-establishing itself as a centre for education, sports, and culture following decades of hardship. The success of the JICC stands as a testament to the city’s resilience and the effectiveness of community-driven initiatives in fostering lasting impact.
“Every move on the board reflects strategy, patience, and vision — values that mirror the spirit of Jaffna and its people,” a JDCA organiser said.
Anticipation Builds
With the third edition set for December 2025, excitement is building among players, coaches, and fans alike. The JDCA has extended an open invitation to all chess enthusiasts, both local and international, to take part in or witness what has become a landmark event in Sri Lanka’s sporting calendar.
From young beginners to grandmasters, the Jaffna International Chess Championship 2025 promises a high-stakes, high-reward celebration of chess — where every move counts, and new history is written.
