Kerala’s chess players mobilise to checkmate COVID-19

Chess Kerala organises online tournaments to raise funds for the COVID-19 vaccine drive in the State

In a winning move, Chess Kerala, a collective of players in Kerala, is now conducting Chess Kerala COVID Vaccine Challenge Grand Prix 2021 Tournaments, a series to collect funds for the Chief Minister’s Distress Relief Fund (CMDRF) to help the vaccine drive in the State. “Players from across the world, age no bar, can participate in eight online tournaments to be held every Sunday evening at 8 pm. The first was on May 23. Participants and non-participants are requested to contribute at least the cost of one COVID-19 vaccine (₹300) or its multiples, to help Kerala fight the pandemic,” says NR Anil Kumar, president of the organisation and a former member of the Indian Chess Olympic team and an International Master.