The historic city of Jaffna celebrated a remarkable chess festival as the Jaffna International Chess Championship 2025 unfolded at the elegant Chelva Palace in Kokuvil from December 3rd to 7th, 2025. Organized by the Jaffna District Chess Association, this prestigious tournament attracted an exceptional field of international masters, FIDE masters, and rising talents from Sri Lanka and India, making it one of the most competitive chess events in the Northern Province.
Championship Overview
The tournament was conducted under the expert supervision of Tournament Director Vimaleshan S and Chief Arbiter IA Tharindu Weerasekara, with support from Deputy Chief Arbiter IA Sanjula Ravinath and a dedicated team of national arbiters. The championship followed a rigorous 10-round Swiss format with standard time controls of 90 minutes plus a 30-second increment per move, testing both the tactical acumen and endurance of all participants.
Dominant Championship Performance
FM Dinesh Rajan from India emerged as the undisputed champion with a brilliant performance, scoring an exceptional 9 points out of 10 rounds. Rajan’s campaign was marked by consistent excellence, demonstrating superior preparation and tactical sharpness throughout the tournament. His rating of 2346 proved well-deserved as he navigated through a field that included grandmasters and international masters with remarkable composure.
The battle for the championship was intense from the opening rounds, with Rajan establishing his dominance early and maintaining his momentum throughout the ten rounds. His only dropped point came in a hard-fought game, but his overall performance showcased the complete chess player – strong in openings, creative in the middlegame, and precise in technical endgames.
Fierce Competition for Runner-Up Positions
IM Anup Deshmukh from India claimed the first runner-up position with an impressive 9 points, matching the champion’s score but finishing second on tiebreak calculations. Deshmukh’s tournament featured aggressive opening play and brilliant tactical combinations that thrilled spectators. His performance included several critical victories in the middle rounds that kept him in championship contention until the final round.
Anandh S P K Arul from India secured the second runner-up position, also finishing with 9 points. Arul demonstrated excellent positional understanding and endgame technique throughout the event. The three-way tie at the top on 9 points highlighted the extremely competitive nature of the tournament, with tiebreak scores ultimately determining the final placings.
Notable Performances
AGM Vignesh B from India finished in fourth place with 8½ points, showcasing strong play throughout the event. GM Mikulas Manik from Slovakia rounded out the top five with 8½ points, demonstrating the international caliber of the competition. The Slovak grandmaster’s presence added significant prestige to the tournament.
The Sri Lankan contingent showed excellent form, with CM Sivathanujan scoring 8 points to finish in sixth place, while CM A A C B Amarasinghe and A A H M B Senarathne also achieved strong 8-point performances, demonstrating the growing strength of Sri Lankan chess.
Blitz Championship Excitement
The tournament week also featured the Jaffna International Blitz Chess Championship 2025 on December 4th, providing players with an opportunity to showcase their rapid-fire chess skills. FM Dinesh Rajan continued his dominance, claiming the blitz title with 8½ points, demonstrating exceptional skill in both classical and fast time controls.
CM Sivathanujan from Sri Lanka delivered an outstanding performance to finish as first runner-up with 8 points, while GM Mikulas Manik from Slovakia secured the second runner-up position with 8 points. The blitz event featured thrilling tactical battles and quick-thinking displays that kept the audience thoroughly entertained throughout the day.
Other notable performances in the blitz championship included Gowsalyan S from Sri Lanka and Prawin K from India, both finishing with 8 points, and AGM Vignesh B from India with 7½ points. The fast-paced action provided a perfect complement to the main classical tournament.
Women’s Category Excellence
The women’s category produced exceptional performances, with WFM Bhagyashree Patil from India claiming the championship title with 8 points. Diya Chowdhury from India finished as first runner-up with 8 points, while WCM S Shanmathi Sree from India secured the second runner-up position with 8 points. The close competition among the top three demonstrated the high level of women’s chess on display at the tournament.
Outstanding Organization
The choice of Chelva Palace in Kokuvil as the venue proved excellent, providing a dignified and comfortable setting befitting an international chess championship. The organization by the Jaffna District Chess Association was exemplary, with all rounds starting punctually and playing conditions maintained at the highest standard throughout.
Chief Arbiter IA Tharindu Weerasekara led a strong arbiting team that included Deputy Chief Arbiter IA Sanjula Ravinath and national arbiters Tharsaa Vettivel, Pasindu Manelka Kandamby, W V A K P Perera, and several others. Their professionalism ensured that all games were conducted fairly and in accordance with FIDE regulations, contributing significantly to the smooth running of both the classical and blitz events.
Conclusion
The Jaffna International Chess Championship 2025 has firmly established itself as a significant fixture in the Sri Lankan chess calendar. The tournament not only provided competitive opportunities for established players but also inspired many young chess enthusiasts in the Northern Province to pursue excellence in the royal game. The success of this championship, with its combination of international participation, professional organization, and high-quality chess, bodes well for the future of the sport in Jaffna and across Sri Lanka.
Congratulations
Congratulations to FM Dinesh Rajan for his outstanding double triumph in both classical and blitz formats. Special recognition goes to all winners, including IM Anup Deshmukh, Anandh S P K Arul, CM Sivathanujan, GM Mikulas Manik, and all the women’s category champions WFM Bhagyashree Patil, Diya Chowdhury, and WCM S Shanmathi Sree for their exceptional performances. We also extend our gratitude to Tournament Director Vimaleshan S, Chief Arbiter IA Tharindu Weerasekara, Deputy Chief Arbiter IA Sanjula Ravinath, and the entire organizing team from the Jaffna District Chess Association for their dedication in bringing this successful championship to fruition.
The Jaffna International Chess Championship 2025 has concluded, but its impact on the chess community in Northern Sri Lanka will continue to inspire future generations of players.
