National Youth Blitz Chess Championship 2024: A Display of Speed and Skill

The National Youth Blitz Chess Championship 2024 took place on August 24th at Dharmapala Vidyalaya in Pannipitiya. Organised by the Chess Federation of Sri Lanka, the event showcased the fast-paced skills of young chess players across multiple age categories. Competitions were held for Under-8, 10, 12, 14, 16, and 18 in both open and girls’ categories. Winners were honoured with trophies, medals, and certificates, celebrating their impressive performances. The tournament featured a Swiss format, with a time control of 3 minutes plus a 2-second increment per move.

Winners by Category

Under-8 Open

1. Champion: Rrivinu Deuhan Tilakawardena, 7/7 points (Vidyaloka College)
2. First Runner-up: Shakithiyen T Thanushan, 6/7 points (Swot Chess Academy)
3. Second Runner-up: Venukanan Nayanakheshan, 6/7 points (J/Kokuvil Hindu Primary)

Under-8 Girls

1. Champion: O R Hasini Anuththara Ranasinghe, 7/7 points (Mahamaya Girls’ College, Kandy)
2. First Runner-up: Warnakulasuriya Eleesha Fernando, 6/7 points (Holy Family Girls’ Primary School)
3. Second Runner-up: S Nethumi Dihansa Perera, 5.5/7 points (Polymath College, Navinna)

Under-10 Open

1. Champion: Thehas Rithmitha Kiringoda, 7/7 points (Ananda College)
2. First Runner-up: A A Senuth Thewsas Perera, 7/7 points (Gateway College, Ratmalana)
3. Second Runner-up: A P Karunasena, 6.5/7 points (Nalanda College, Colombo 10)

Under-10 Girls

1. Champion: R B Hasadi Sethumsa, 6.5/7 points (Mr/Sujatha Vidyalaya, Matara)
2. First Runner-up: R N D Gayansa Kavinilu Perera, 6/7 points (Sirimavo Bandaranaika Vidyalaya)
3. Second Runner-up: Emmanuelle Jegasuthan, 6/7 points (Royal Institute International)

Under-12 Open

1. Champion: Sehath Abayasinghe, 8/8 points (Rahula College, Matara)
2. First Runner-up: Sanuk Nanayakkara, 6.5/8 points (Richmond College)
3. Second Runner-up: Dulein Bimsath Labunahewage, 6.5/8 points (Lyceum International School)

Under-12 Girls

1. Champion: Tharuli Dihansa Senarathne, 6.5/7 points (Lyceum International School)
2. First Runner-up: K G Dewli Abinadi Chanseya, 6.5/7 points (Visakha Vidyalaya, Colombo 05)
3. Second Runner-up: ACM A G Hansadie Aradhya Akuratiya, 6/7 points (Lyceum International School, Nugegoda)

Under-14 Open

1. Champion: K A R G W D R B G Galkotuwa, 7/8 points (Dharmaraja College, Kandy)
2. First Runner-up: Pamok Methdinu Samaranayake, 7/8 points (Rahula College, Matara)
3. Second Runner-up: Ayod Induwara Wijewickrama, 7/8 points (Richmond College)

Under-14 Girls

1. Champion: AFM R M Dulinma Hemalni Rathnayake, 6.5/7 points (Viharamahadevi Balika Vidyalaya)
2. First Runner-up: B P Chanthuli Thanishka De Silva, 6/7 points (Anula Vidyalaya, Nugegoda)
3. Second Runner-up: H K T I Namarathna, 6/7 points (Maliyadeva Balika Vidyalaya)

Under-16 Open

1. Champion: S D Nadev Insara, 6/7 points (Royal College, Panadura)
2. First Runner-up: Saniru Lohan Atulugamage, 6/7 points (Royal College, Colombo 07)
3. Second Runner-up: AIM K P L Liyanage, 6/7 points (Dharmaraja College, Kandy)

Under-16 Girls

1. Champion: M Esandi Newansa, 6/7 points (Dharmasoka College)
2. First Runner-up: H Sandithi Kusalya Alwis, 5/7 points (Anula Vidyalaya, Nugegoda)
3. Second Runner-up: Gehansa Ranumi Dange, 5/7 points (Girls’ High School, Kandy)

Under-18 Open

1. Champion: A A Kavishka Gimshan Laksiri, 6.5/7 points (Asoka Vidyalaya, Colombo 10)
2. First Runner-up: WCM K M Dahamdi Sanudula, 5.5/7 points (Musaeus College, Colombo 7)
3. Second Runner-up: AFM Janarthanan Vipooshanan, 5/7 points (Jaffna Hindu College)

Under-18 Girls

1. Champion: Y Kaveesha Gunawardena, 3/5 points (Mahamaya Girls College, Kandy)
2. First Runner-up: Chanethma Devangi Marasinghe, 2.5/5 points (Girls’ High School, Kandy)
3. Second Runner-up: Dehansa Nisanduni Sandanayake, 2.5/5 points (St Paul’s Girls’ School, Milagiriya)

The National Youth Blitz Chess Championship 2024 demonstrated the talent and competitive spirit of young chess players from across Sri Lanka. The event, marked by impressive performances and rapid thinking, highlighted the promising future of chess in the country. With such platforms, the Chess Federation of Sri Lanka continues to nurture and showcase the abilities of young chess enthusiasts, ensuring the growth and popularity of the game nationwide.