SOG Grandmasters Series South Zone Series 2 Concludes in Chennai
Chennai: The SOG Grandmasters Series Championship South Zone Series 2 has concluded in Chennai, showcasing India’s elite chess and rummy talents. The event, held at The Leela, drew over one lakh participants from across Chennai, Puducherry, and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
The event featured some of India’s top talents in chess and rummy, with Sethuraman S.P. winning the gold medal in the men’s division of the Indian Chess Masters (ICM) category, while Keerti Shree Reddy clinched the gold in the women’s division. In the Indian Rummy Grandmasters – South Zone 2, Yuvaraj R emerged as the champion, followed by Makesh Muthuvel and Murugesan Kannadhasan.
The closing ceremony was attended by former Indian cricket team captain Krishnamachari Srikkanth and world rapid chess champion Koneru Humpy, who praised the event for promoting cognitive excellence and youth engagement in strategic gaming. Krishnamachari Srikkanth emphasized the importance of mental sharpness, focus, and resilience, saying, “Cricket taught me that the real battle is often in the mind. Mental sharpness, focus, and resilience are as important off the field as on it.”
Koneru Humpy noted the growing popularity of chess among Indian youth, saying, “It’s encouraging to witness so many young players with serious talent and commitment. This wave of enthusiasm is helping make chess an integral part of our national identity.”
Shankar Aggarwal, President, SOG Federation, highlighted the broader vision of the organization, stating, “The rapid growth of mind games in online gaming reflects the incredible curiosity and strategic spirit of India’s youth. Our mission is to provide every talented player, regardless of background or ability, the opportunity to excel, compete, and represent India on the world stage.” The SOG Grandmasters Series Championship has set new standards for competitive excellence and inclusivity, reinforcing India’s position as a global powerhouse in cognitive sports.
