Recognized by

EVENT & AICF EVENT CODE

411603 | 411605 | 411607 /BR/2025

411604 | 411606 | 411608 /BR/2025

Organized by
ALL BIHAR CHESS ASSOCAITION
On behalf of
ALL INDIA CHESS FEDERATION
In association with
Bihar State Sports Authority
Date: 25th March to 29th March 2025

Venue:
Sambodhi Retreat, Bodhgaya
Venue Partner Supported by
All Bihar Chess Association, Bihar State Sports Authority and All India Chess Federation (AICF)
takes immense pleasure in inviting all the State Associations & AICF affiliated units in India to
participate in the 12th National Amateur Chess Championships-2023 which is going to be held
at Bodhgaya, Bihar from 25th March to 29th March, 2025.

Inauguration/Managers Meeting 25/3/2025 03:00 P.M.

Round – I 25/3/2025 03:30 P.M.
Round – II 26/3/2027 09:00 A.M.
Round – III 26/3/2027 03:00 P.M.
Round – IV 27/3/2029 09:00 A.M.
Round – V 27/3/2029 03:00 P.M.
Round - VI 28/3/2031 09:00 A.M.
Round – VII 28/3/2031 03:00 P.M.
Round – VIII 29/3/2033 08:00 A.M.
Round – IX 29/3/2033 01:00 P.M.
Prize Distribution 29/3/2034 06:00 P.M.

3. Six The championship will be held separately for each category - below
2300, below 2000 and below 1700. In each rating section, a separate Championship for women
shall be organized only if there are at least 10 women entries. Otherwise, the women's event
will be merged with the Open.

4. Eligibility for Participation:

(a) For the under-2300 section, a player must not have a published FIDE rating of 2300 or greater for
at least one year prior to the start of the championship. All players must not hold any title above FM
(or WFM for Women) in the section Under-2300.

(b) For the Under-2000 section, a player must not have published FIDE rating of 2000 or greater for
at least one year prior to the start of the championship. All players must not hold any title above CM
(cr WCM for women) in the section Under-2000.

(c) For the Under-1700 section, a player must not have a published FIDE rating of 1700 or greater for
at least one year prior to the start of the championship. All players must not hold any title above CM
(cr or WCM for women) in the section Under-1700.

(d) If a player reaches or exceeds the FIDE rating of 1700 or 2000 after the registration deadline,
he/she will play in the upper rating category. If a player reaches or exceeds the FIDE rating of 2300
after the registration deadline, he/she will not be permitted to play in the championship.
(e) All players registered with their respective State Associations/AICF affiliated units are eligible to
participate in the National Amateur Championship.
The State Chess Associations/AICF affiliated units have the right of sending any number of entries.
Only Indian nationals are eligible to participate in this championship.

5. Entries & entry fee:

All entries including special entries should come through the concerned State Association.
However, AICF will have the right to accept or reject any entry without assigning any reason.
The entry form should be sent together with attested copy of original date of birth certificate
(Birth Certificates from Panchayat/Municipality/Corporation only accepted).

Entry fee: RS. 2,000/- (Two thousand only)

There will be a 50% concession in the entry fee for participants from North eastern
states and Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Entry fee will be accepted strictly online through: https://prs.aicf.in/entry. For
further clarification and guidance regarding submission of entries, please
contact: [email protected]

Please note that the entry fee structure is valid till 11th March 2025.
Thereafter a late fee of Rs. 250/- per player will be levied. No entry will be accepted after 17th
March 2025 (up to 18:00 hrs.).

Total Prize Fund: 3,00,000/-

As per AICF regulations on the dress code for players participating in all the
National championships, all State Associations should send their players including special/donor
entry players with proper uniform (as regards special/donor entry players, the respective State
chess associations may collect the cost of the uniform from the players).
Players should at least wear uniform T-Shirts/formal shirts (same color and brand with the name
of the state printed prominently at the back and the state chess emblem in the front left side).
The name/logo of the sponsors can be permitted. The girls/women are also given appropriate
uniform dress. The above rule will also be applicable to Special units. Players without proper
uniform will not be permitted to take part in the championship. This will be strictly enforced.
 The Championship will be played under FIDE Laws of Chess and the
Swiss system. Totally 9 rounds shall be played in each category. In case that one girl group has
less than 10 participants then it will be merged with the same age group open category.
Players from the same state shall not be paired against each other in the last round.
However, they may be paired if there is no compactible opponent with the same point
group or score group with the maximum difference of 1 point. It is applicable only for
the top 50% score of the penultimate round.
Default timing for arriving to the chess board is 15 Minutes. Those who
arrive at the board 15 minutes after the start of the game will be declared lost.
The rate of play shall be 90 minutes with an increment of 30 seconds
per move from move number one.
Each participating State Chess Association must provide at least one
clock in working order for every two players entered in the Championship.
Following is the order of Tie-Break:
(a) Buchholz Cut1
(b) Buchholz
(c) Sonneborn Berger
(d) Direct encounter
(e) The greater number of wins (forfeit included)
(f) Number of wins with black pieces
In case of tie, cash prizes will not be shared.

Players shall not agree for a draw without the consent of the arbiter,
before each player makes 30 moves.
Protests, if any, against the decision of the Chief Arbiter, shall be made in writing
with a protest fee of Rs.3000/- within one hour of the occurrence of the incident. The amount
shall be refunded if the appeal is upheld.
Before the commencement of the tournament, a five-member
Appeals Committee shall be formed by the AICF/Organizers. All the members and reserves
shall be from different states. No member of the Committee can vote on dispute in which a
player from his own state is involved and, in such case(s), the reserve member(s) shall take
his/her place in the committee. The decision of the Appeals Committee is final and binding on
players concerned.
The organizers will form a tournament committee for the
smooth conduct of the National Championship.
For interpretation of the rule(s) and deciding any point not covered by
rules of the tournament, the decision of the Tournament Director shall be final and binding on
all. The Tournament Director has every right to make any addition or amendment to these rules
without prior notice. However, such changes or inclusion will be subject to AICF & TNSCA
clearance. Such changes, however, will be displayed at the Championship venue.
If any player withdraws from the last two rounds in any National
Championship on medical grounds, he/she should undergo treatment by a doctor recommended
and supervised by the tournament committee. The entry fee, once paid, shall not be refunded if
the withdrawal from the championship is done after the publication of the first-round pairings.
No participant will leave the venue before the prize distribution function
without the permission of the Chief Arbiter. The participants disregarding this rule will be
suspended for one year.
 All participants in the National Championship should be registered
with AICF for the year 2024 - 2025. Online AICF registration is available on the website
www.aicf.in.
Those who have paid the AICF Registration fee but are yet to receive the AICF registration card
should send a photocopy of the acknowledgment for having paid the fee to organizers of earlier
tournaments or to their association. Before the start of the championship all the players must be
registered with AICF for the year 2024-2025. No entry will be accepted without AICF Player’s
Registration for 2024-2025.
All electronic items including wrist watches (all type of watches)
are not allowed in the tournament hall.
If a player is found to possess a mobile (switched on/off)/wristwatch, either on the person or in
a separate bag, he will be declared as lost. Player wearing any kind of watch during the game
will also be declared lost.

Sambodhi Retreat, the venue for the 12th National Amateur Chess Championship-2025, is
conveniently located in Bodhgaya, Bihar. Whether you are arriving by air, train, or road, there
are multiple transportation options available to ensure a smooth journey.

From Gaya Airport (Approx. 10 KM)

Gaya International Airport is the nearest airport to Sambodhi Retreat. It is well-connected with
major Indian cities like Delhi, Kolkata, and Varanasi. Upon arrival, you can hire a taxi or an auto-
rickshaw to reach the venue in approximately 20-25 minutes. The resort management can also
arrange pickup and drop-off services upon prior request.
From Gaya Railway Station (Approx. 15 KM)
Gaya Junction is a major railway hub with trains connecting to different parts of India. From the
railway station, taxis, auto-rickshaws, and e-rickshaws are available for hire. The journey takes
around 30-35 minutes. Additionally, the resort management can assist with pre-arranged
transport if required.
From Gaya Bus Stand (Approx. 13 KM)
For those arriving by bus, Gaya Bus Stand is the closest stop. From here, you can hire an auto-
rickshaw or taxi to reach Sambodhi Retreat in about 30 minutes. E-rickshaws are also available
at nominal rates.
From Patna Airport (Approx. 115 KM)
For travelers arriving at Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport in Patna, the best way to
reach Bodhgaya is via taxi or bus. The road journey takes approximately 3 to 4 hours. Direct
taxis can be booked from the airport, or you can take a bus to Gaya and then proceed to
Sambodhi Retreat via local transport.
Local Transportation From Pachhatti More (near Mahabodhi temple) to Sambodhi Retreat
(Approx. 4.5 KM)
If you are reaching Pachhatti More, Sambodhi Retreat is about 4.5 KM away. Numerous E-
rickshaws operate on this route, providing an affordable and convenient mode of transport.
If you wish to stay near Mahabodhi Temple, there are many hotels available to suit different
budgets. You can easily find options online via hotel booking platforms.
For local assistance, we are providing the contact details of the organizing members, who will
help guide you with information on Bodhgaya, hotel recommendations, and local transportation.
 For any local assistance, please feel free to contact:
S K Singh 6205788782
Gajendra Pratap Singh 9199595791
Pickup & Drop Facility by Sambodhi Retreat
If you are staying at Sambodhi Retreat, you can directly coordinate with the resort management
to arrange your pickup/drop-off from Gaya Airport, Gaya Railway Station, or any other nearby
location on payment basis.

Players & accompanying persons have to make their own arrangements of stay.
Accommodation / Food at venue
Sambodhi Retreat (Venue)
Bodhgaya, a renowned tourist destination, offers a wide range of accommodation options. The
tournament venue, Sambodhi Retreat, has more than 50 Deluxe / premium Category
cottages available for booking on a first-come, first-served basis.
Special rates have been arranged exclusively for chess participants, thanks to the resort
management for their consideration and support. As the official venue partner, the resort is
committed to providing quality hospitality to the chess community at minimal rates in compare
to their usual tariff. However, room booking is subject to availability at the time of booking.
Special tariff plan for participants , offered by resort :
Room Type Bed Occupancy Tariff
Deluxe Cottage Double/Twin bed For 2 People 4500/Day
Duplex 2 Double bed For 4 People Check the rate
Quart 2 Double bed For 4 People & availability
with resort
management
 Taxes applicable
 Above plan is including all three meals (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

For more details about this resort , you can visit its website :
https://www.sambodhiretreat.org/top-luxury-hotel-resort-in-bodhgaya.aspx
For booking your room/s , you can contact to Hotel management at the given numbers:
Sambodhi Retreat - +91-7488535208 , +91-7488535210
If anything urgent & important,
Mr. Subhash Kumar, General Manager - +91 75490 72884

Sambodhi Retreat Bodhgaya

A Perfect Blend of Comfort & Serenity
Nestled in the heart of Bodhgaya, Bihar, Sambodhi Retreat is a luxurious resort offering a
tranquil escape amidst nature. Known for its sprawling green landscapes, modern amenities,
and serene ambiance, it provides an ideal stay for travelers, tourists, and event attendees.
Whether you are visiting for leisure, spiritual exploration, or participating in an event like the 12th
National Amateur Chess Championships-2025, Sambodhi Retreat ensures a memorable and
comfortable experience.
Note: For any additional requirements, you can check with resort management.
 Sambodhi Retreat (Venue)
Deluxe Cottages

Woodland, Igloo, Timber , Niranjan and many more Cottages are available in resort as your
perfect Chess destination that suit your need .

Inside ( room view ) view of some of the Cottages .

Family rooms & Suits

Pyramid Cottage
has 2 King Size bed for 4 people.

Green cave Duplex Cottage

has 4 bedded (duplex) accommodation 2 King Size bed for 4 people.

For more details about the resort, you can visit their website:
https://www.sambodhiretreat.org/top-luxury-hotel-resort-in-bodhgaya.aspx
Some of the other hotels, agreed to give special rates to Chess guests :
guests:
Hotels Contact person Contact No.
Hotel Delta Mr Bhola Singh 973011679
Hotel Parvati Garden Mr Praveen 9341772729
Hotel MK Plaza Mr Ravi 9955949424
Hotel Astha Mr Tanveer 7992245102

For further details, please contact:

NandKishor 7091975340 Shashinand Kumar 8252653545
Pratyush Kumar 8340718216 Alok Priyadarshi 8826915876
Shivpriya Bhardwaj 9430238272 Himanshu Kumar 9835503685
J P Sinha 9334851615 Palak Sinha 9122312545
Vipal Subhashi 9955497630 Md. Eqbal Alam 9431046916

For technical matter

IA Swapnil Bansod 7507402426
IA V L Anandhbabu 9894278402

Diljeet Khanna Dharmendra Kumar, IA, FL

President Hony. Secretary

Adm. Office:

All Bihar Chess Association

102, B-6, Lata Kunj, Anand Vihar Colony (Near Arsalan Biryani) Anishabad Patna-2, Bihar
Mobile: 9334838341, Email: [email protected], Website: www.biharchess.org
 Places of tourist interest - Bodhgaya

Mahabodhi Temple Thai Monastery

Great Buddha Statue Bodhi Tree

Indosan Nippon Japanese Temple Royal Bhutan Monastery

Metta Buddharam Temple Tibetan Temple

Tergar Monastery Dungeshwari Cave Temple

 Places of tourist interest - Gaya

Vishnupad Temple Maa Mangla Gauri Mandir

Brahmayoni Hills Sita Kund

Sujata Stupa Ramshila Hill

Pret Shila Mandir Rajayatna Tree

 Places of tourist interest –Nalanda, Rajgir, Pawapuri

Vishwa Shanti Stup- Rajgir Nalanda University Ruins

Jal Mandir - Pawapuri Sky Glass Bridge - Rajgir

Explore the Rich Heritage of Bihar – A Unique Chess Tourism Experience!

Dear Participants,
We warmly welcome you to Bodhgaya for the 12th National Amateur Chess Championships 2025. Beyond
the excitement of the tournament, we encourage you to take advantage of this unique opportunity to
explore the incredible heritage, spiritual landmarks, and historical wonders of Bodhgaya, Gaya,
Nalanda, and Rajgir.
From the sacred Mahabodhi Temple in Bodhgaya to the ancient Nalanda University ruins and the serene
landscapes of Rajgir, each destination offers a glimpse into history, spirituality, and culture. Whether
you seek peace, history, or adventure, these iconic sites will leave you with unforgettable memories.
Make your chess journey even more special—immerse yourself in the beauty and history of Bihar. Don’t
miss this chance to experience Chess Tourism at its best!
Safe travels and best wishes for the tournament!

ALL BIHAR CHESS ASSOCIATION