Odisha International Master (IM) Swayangsu Satyapragyan is set to lead the Indian contingent as its Head of Delegation in the FIDE World Junior (U-20) Chess Championship, which is scheduled to be held at Hotel Palas in Petrovac, Montenegro from 23 February to 8 March 2025. A total of 17 players, including five women, have been selected to compete in the prestigious event.

But flight delay has come as a stumbling block for the contingent, which is still stuck in Delhi. “We are supposed to fly via Istanbul, which is now experiencing heavy snowfall. We have to stay in Istanbul for a day before heading for Montenegro. Many more national contingents are facing the same problem,’’ said Satyapragyan, who would also double up as the coach of the Indian contingent.

“However, taking into consideration the plight of the participating teams, the host country has rescheduled the championship, which will now start on February 25. We hope to reach Petrovac in time and be able to participate,” added Satyapragya, who is now functioning as Administrator of Prochessta, a chess academy, run by the Department of Sports & Youth Services, Govt of Odisha in Bhubaneswar.

This will be the second international assignment for Satyapragyan as coach or head of the Indian chess contingent. He was the coach of the Indian team that won 24 medals, including nine gold, at the Commonwealth Chess Championship last year in Melaka, Malaysia.

Satyapragyan is optimistic of India doing well in the World Junior in Montenegro. “In the open section, GM Pranav Venkatesh (2615) will be leading the charge as the second seed. WGM Rakshita Ravi (2365) will spearhead the campaign girls section as the fourth seed. Both are aiming for top honors on the global stage. The presence of WGM Srija Seshadri as the coach of the girls squad will be very helpful,” said Satyapragyan.