Jalgaon, Aug. 2 -- The 38th National Under-11 Chess Championship was inaugurated with grandeur today at the picturesque Anubhooti Mandap in Jain Hills, Jalgaon. This prestigious tournament, crucial for identifying and nurturing nascent talent was declared open by the Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Raksha Nikhil Khadse.

The tournament has attracted over 550 chess prodigies from across the nation, among whom nearly 400 participants boast official FIDE (International Chess Federation) ratings - a testimony to the championship's calibre. Representing states and territories including Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Goa, Gujarat, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra...