New Delhi, Aug 1 (Inditop.com) Indian chess is on an all-time high with its players tasting success regularly at the international events, and they will be eyeing a rich haul of medals at the ONGC Asian Youth Chess Championship starting here Sunday.
The event hosted by Delhi Chess Association at Tivoli Garden Resort will see more than 250 players in action in various age groups.
Competitions will be held in six age groups — U-8, U-10, U-12, U-14, U-16 and U-18 separately for boys and girls.
Among the countries having confirmed their participation are Vietnam, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Bhutan, UAE, Indonesia and Mongolia.
The strong Indian squad with 65 players is expected to reap a big harvest from the event that offers 36 medals. In the last edition at Tehran, India won six gold, five silver and 10 bronze.
India is hoping for a clean sweep in some categories but players from Iran and Vietnam can give them a big challenge.
The Indian Challenge will be spearheaded by World Under-14 Champion Vidit Santosh Gujarathi and World Under-12 Champion Sayantan Das. Grand Master Salem A. R. Saleh of UAE who won Under-16 category in the last edition will start as favourite in Under-18 category this year.
rounak