Budding talents cornered glory as Khordha duo Reyansh Raj and Elena Mishra won the open and girls titles respectively in the 1st Dr Debendra Pradhan Memorial Odisha State Under-7 Chess Championship, which was held at Pro-Chess-TA, Bhubaneswar from 5 to 7 May 2026.

Reyansh Raj emerged champion with seven points out of seven rounds, displaying remarkable consistency and confidence throughout the tournament. Parmarth Singh of Angul finished runner-up with six points.

In the girls section, four-year-old Elena delivered a dominant performance to clinch the title with a perfect score of seven points, remaining unbeaten throughout the event. Aadhisree Budek of Khordha secured second place with 5.5 points, edging past Devanshee Sahoo, who also scored 5.5 points, on tie-break scores.

The top two players from both the categories became eligible to represent Odisha at the National Under-7 Chess Championship, scheduled to be held in Maharashtra from 7 to 11 June 2026.

Organised by Khordha District Chess Association (KDCA), under the aegis of All Odisha Chess Association, the State U-7 Championship was inaugurated by BJP Odisha General Secretary Simanchal Khatei. A total of 75 players participated in the tournament, which carried a total prize fund of Rs 20,000.

The prize distribution ceremony was graced by Odisha Olympic Association president Samir Mohanty as chief guest. Others present on the occasion include, AOCA president Satya Ranjan Pattnaik, joint-secretary Bhabesh Mohanty, chess Grand Master Swayams Mishra, KDCA secretary Subhasis Patnaik, joint-secretary Saroj Behera and treasurer Pradipta Behera.
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PHOTO: Title winners Reyansh Raj (2nd from left), Elena Mishra (2nd from right) and runners-up Parmarth Singh (1st from left), and Aadhisree Budek (1st from right) pose with guests and organizing officials at the closing ceremony of the Odisha State Under-7 Chess Championship in Bhubaneswar on 7 May 2026.