The Sri Lanka Chess Federation for the first time has got the opportunity of hosting the Asian Chess Championship 2019 at the Citrus Hotel in Waskaduwa from April 1 to 10.
The Championship will be played in six age groups under-8, 10, 12, 14, 16 and 18 for boys and girls.
“The Championship comprises three events, Youth Championship five hours, Asian Youth Rapid Championship one hour and Asian Youth Blitz Chess Championship 10 minutes according to the age group,” said the president of the Chess Federation of Sri Lanka Lakshman Wijesuriya addressing a media conference.
He said that already 22 Asian countries have confirmed their participation for all age groups with India having the largest contingent of 67 players. The total number of players for the Championship will be over 550 including 250 from Sri Lanka.
Chairman of the Tourism Development Authority Kishu Gomes addressing the media said that sports is Sri Lanka has become a great asset for the promotion of tourism.
“This sort of sporting activities taking place in Sri Lanka is sure to attract not only players but also many more supporters.
“While doing so people who visit our country for sporting events will spread the news to say that Sri Lanka is a pleasant country for visitors,” Gomes said.
The official ceremony is to take place on April 3 with Sports Minister Harin Fernando as chief guest while the closing ceremony will be graced by Minister for Tourism Development Authority and Christian Religious Affairs, John Amaratunga.
Countries that have confirmed their participation are Australia, Bangladesh, China, Chinese Taipei, Hon Kong, India, Indonesia, Iran Japan, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Turkmenistan, UAE, Uzbekistan and Vietnam.