The 18th Asian Schools Chess Championships 2024, held from 1st to 11th December 2024 in Bangkok, Thailand, marked a momentous achievement for Sri Lankan chess. Organised by the Thailand Chess Association under the auspices of the Asian Chess Federation (ACF) and the International Chess Federation (FIDE), the tournament attracted players from across Asia. Competitions were held across three formats—Standard, Rapid, and Blitz chess—with age categories under 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, and 17, in both the Open and Girls’ divisions.
Sri Lanka made a remarkable impression, securing a total of 22 medals, including three individual medals and 19 team medals. A contingent of 57 players represented Sri Lanka in their respective age groups, bringing home a mix of Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals across multiple categories.
Individual Medal Winners in 18th Asian Schools Chess Championships 2024
- Under 13 Open: V. W. A. Vinuda Vidmal Wickramasinghe – Bronze Medal
- Under 11 Open: Vinuka Dihain Wijerathna – Bronze Medal
- Under 9 Girls’: Sayumi Sithumila Halangoda – Silver Medal
Team Medal Winners in 18th Asian Schools Chess Championships 2024
Standard Chess Championships
Under 7 Girls’: Bronze Medal
Team Members: Tharshan Kajishana, Maanasha Kishnaram, Aryana Lisara Rathnasekara
Under 9 Open: Silver Medal
Team Members: M. A. Sanuka Sageeth Kulathilaka, AFM Rivinu Dihas Nethmira Wickramage, Vinuja Egodawatta
Under 9 Girls’: Gold Medal
Team Members: Sayumi Sithumila Halangoda, L. H. M. T. I. Bandara, S. Nethumi Dihansa Perera
Under 11 Open: Bronze Medal
Team Members: Vinuka Dihain Wijerathna, H. M. Chamuditha Sasen Bandara Herath, AFM Arachchi Lithula Raveesh Perumpuli
Under 13 Open: Bronze Medal
Team Members: V. W. A. Vinuda Vidmal Wickramasinghe, Dulein Bimsath Labunahewage, Menuksha Sahen Devasurendra
Under 13 Girls’: Bronze Medal
Team Members: B. Yenuthi Sahanlee Perera, B. P. Chanthuli Thanishka De Silva, M. A. D. D. D. Munasinghe
Under 15 Girls’: Bronze Medal
Team Members: H. Sandithi Kusalya Alwis, K. P. K. Hesara Gunasekara, Chenaya Ekaratne
Under 17 Open: Bronze Medal
Team Members: AFM Yonal Sumanathilake, Chivath Dathesha Gunaratne, K. A. Aken Abiru
Rapid Chess Championships
Under 7 Girls’: Bronze Medal
Team Members: Tharshan Kajishana, Aryana Lisara Rathnasekara, Yasvika Prasanna
Under 9 Girls’: Bronze Medal
Team Members: E. L. Dihini Dihasa Liyanage, Sayumi Sithumila Halangoda, Vinudi Tenara Edirisooriya
Under 11 Open: Bronze Medal
Team Members: Vinuka Dihain Wijerathna, H. M. Chamuditha Sasen Bandara Herath, Mithil Indrachapa Samarakoon
Under 13 Girls’: Bronze Medal
Team Members: ACM A. G. Hansadie Aradhya Akuratiya, B. P. Chanthuli Thanishka De Silva, B. Yenuthi Sahanlee Perera
Under 15 Girls’: Bronze Medal
Team Members: H. Sandithi Kusalya Alwis, K. P. K. Hesara Gunasekara, Chenaya Ekaratne
Blitz Chess Championships
Under 7 Open: Bronze Medal
Team Members: ACM A. M. Chesandu Yuven Aththanayaka, Navindu Shenal, Sayuru Lonindu Jayasuriya
Under 7 Girls’: Bronze Medal
Team Members: Aryana Lisara Rathnasekara, Yasvika Prasanna, D. A. Ruchini Aradhya
Under 9 Open: Bronze Medal
Team Members: AFM Rivinu Dihas Nethmira Wickramage, Venukanan Nayanakheshan, Vinuja Egodawatta
Under 9 Girls’: Silver Medal
Team Members: Sayumi Sithumila Halangoda, Vinudi Tenara Edirisooriya, S. Nethumi Dihansa Perera
Under 13 Girls’: Silver Medal
Team Members: ACM A. G. Hansadie Aradhya Akuratiya, B. P. Chanthuli Thanishka De Silva, B. Yenuthi Sahanlee Perera
Under 17 Open: Bronze Medal
Team Members: S. D. Nadev Insara, Chivath Dathesha Gunaratne, K. A. Aken Abiru
Team medals – Standard Chess Championships
Team medals – Rapid Chess Championships
Team medals – Blitz Chess Championships
Sri Lanka’s success at the 18th Asian Schools Chess Championships is a testament to the nation’s rising prowess in the game. The players demonstrated exceptional skill and determination, with both individual and team performances shining on the international stage.
The ChessSL extends its heartfelt congratulations to all the participants and medal winners. This achievement not only elevates the status of Sri Lankan chess but also sets a strong foundation for the future. As these young players continue to hone their skills, they promise to bring even more glory to the nation.
