Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, Feb. 22, 2026: The inaugural SAAP State Chess League concluded on Sunday at the Sri Srinivasa Sports Complex, Tirupati, marking the culmination of one of Andhra Pradesh’s largest grassroots chess movements.
A remarkable 2,445 players participated in district trials conducted across 26 districts of the state. From this vast pool of emerging talent, 360 finalists advanced to compete at the prestigious State League, showcasing exceptional skill, strategy, and composure across multiple age categories. The tournament featured competitions in Under-13, Under-15, Under-17, and Under-19 categories for both boys and girls, with intense matches played over the course of the league.
In the Under-13 Boys category, Pooru Harshith (Kurnool) secured first place with 5 points, edging ahead on tie-break score. In the Under-13 Girls, Yasaswini Animi (Ananthapuram) claimed the top honour with an impressive 5.5 points.
The Under-15 Boys title was won by Samuel Stephson Noble S (Ananthapuram) with 5.5 points, while Sravyasree Bheemarasetty (Anakapalli) dominated the Under-15 Girls category with 5.5 points and a strong tie-break score of 24.
In the Under-17 Boys, Seetasagar Konaparthi (East Godavari) emerged victorious with 5.5 points. The Under-17 Girls title went to Anjana Sowmya Konuri (Palnadu), who secured 4.5 points in a closely contested section.
The Under-19 Boys championship was clinched by Druvesh Dondapati (Guntur) with 5 points. In the Under-19 Girls, Aluri Tejaswini (Eluru) claimed first place with 4 points and a superior tie-break score.
Sports Authority of Andhra Pradesh Chairman Shri Animini Ravi Naidu and SAAP Vice Chairperson & Managing Director Smt. S. Bharani, IFS, congratulated the winners, participants, parents, and coaches, highlighting the league as a major step in strengthening grassroots chess and nurturing strategic thinking among youth in Andhra Pradesh.
SAAP Chairman Shri Animini Ravi Naidu said, “On behalf of SAAP I congratulate all the winners and the participants. The overwhelming participation across districts reflects the growing strength of chess in Andhra Pradesh. I am confident that Andhra Pradesh under the inspiring leadership of our Hon’ble CM, Shri Nara Chandrababu Naidu Garu will shine in sports. The SAAP league is not just about medals, but about nurturing analytical thinking, discipline, and confidence among our young athletes.”
SAAP Vice Chairperson & Managing Director Smt. S. Bharani, IFS said, “I laud the players, parents, and coaches for their dedication and commitment. The SAAP Chess League has created a structured competitive pathway from district to state level, strengthening grassroots sports development in Andhra Pradesh. I am thankful to the parents, coaches, technical officials from the District Chess Association, SGF, the District Administration and the District Sports Authority, Tirupati for their support and making the Chess League a great success.”
With 360 young minds competing fiercely yet gracefully, the SAAP State Chess League has not only crowned champions — it has strengthened the foundation for a new generation of strategic thinkers and future sporting leaders in Andhra Pradesh.
Podium Results
UNDER-13 (BOYS)
1st: Pooru Harshith – Kurnool
2nd: Sahrudh M P – Ananthapuram
3rd: Annepu Sashank – West Godavari
UNDER-13 (GIRLS)
1st: Yasaswini Animi – Ananthapuram
2nd: Annanya Chinta – East Godavari
3rd: Bheemarasetti Sahasra – Anakapalli
UNDER-15 (BOYS)
1st: Samuel Stephson Noble S – Ananthapuram
2nd: Kolla Bhaavan – Eluru
3rd: Aadithya R – NTR
UNDER-15 (GIRLS)
1st: Sravyasree Bheemarasetty – Anakapalli
2nd: Triourambika V – Tirupati
3rd: Nneha Rasaputra – SPSR Nellore
UNDER-17 (BOYS)
1st: Seetasagar Konaparthi – East Godavari
2nd: Gajula Meghasyam Sai – Guntur
3rd: Venkateswara Rao Vemparala – Anakapalli
UNDER-17 (GIRLS)
1st: Anjana Sowmya Konuri – Palnadu
2nd: Peddi Navya Sahithi – NTR
3rd: Fathima Shaik Juveria – Tirupati
UNDER-19 (BOYS)
1st: Druvesh Dondapati – Guntur
2nd: Karra Surya Kumara Sridatta – Kakinada
3rd: Draksharapu Shanmukha Satya Uday Sathwik – Konaseema
UNDER-19 (GIRLS)
1st: Aluri Tejaswini – Eluru
2nd: Korukonda Rashmi – East Godavari
3rd: Sai Jahnavi Sree K – Vizianagaram
|
Rank |
District |
Gold |
Silver |
Bronze |
Total |
|
1 |
Ananthapuram |
2 |
1 |
0 |
3 |
|
2 |
East Godavari |
1 |
2 |
0 |
3 |
|
3 |
Guntur |
1 |
1 |
0 |
2 |
|
4 |
Eluru |
1 |
1 |
0 |
2 |
|
5 |
Anakapalli |
1 |
0 |
2 |
3 |
|
6 |
Kurnool |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
|
7 |
Palnadu |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
|
8 |
NTR |
0 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
|
9 |
Tirupati |
0 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
|
10 |
Kakinada |
0 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
|
11 |
West Godavari |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
|
12 |
Konaseema |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
|
13 |
Vizianagaram |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
|
14 |
SPSR Nellore |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
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