Viraj Dark and Devanshi Bahaiti Shine, Bring Pride to the District

Ahmedabad:** In the **SPORTS CLUB BELOW 1800 All India Open FIDE Rating Chess Tournament 2026**, the talented players of **CIL International School of Chess** delivered an outstanding performance, winning awards and bringing national recognition to both the institution and the district.

Patron **Tushar Mehta** stated that **Viraj Dark (born 2019)** displayed exceptional skill in the **Under-7 Boys category**, securing **third place**. Officials highlighted that this success is the result of **consistent practice, discipline, and guidance from experienced coaches**.

On the occasion, well-wishers including **Tushar Mehta (Chess in Lakescity)**, **Rajendra Teli (Vice President, Rajasthan Chess Association)**, **Rajeev Bhardwaj (President, Chess in Lakescity)**, **Nilesh Kumawat**, **Manish Chandalia**, **Disha Sisodia**, **Heena Sahu**, **Kapil Pandiar**, **Richeen Jain**, **Vikas Sahu (Chess Instructor, Rajasthan Chess Committee)**, **Bhavesh Pandiar**, and other members of **Lakescity Chess community** congratulated the players.

Viraj scored **3.5 points in 9 rounds**, defeating several experienced players from Gujarat and Rajasthan, including **Arna Vijay (Rating 1403)**, **Devanshi Bahaiti**, and **Adhyan Parmar**, earning significant recognition for his strategic play.

Meanwhile, **Devanshi Bahaiti (born 2017)** showcased impressive performance in the **Under-9 Girls category**, securing **fourth place** with **3 points in 9 rounds**. She defeated competitors like **Ramnik Singh Saluja**, **Sharvi Utsav Patel**, and **Fenil Rajput**, demonstrating remarkable determination and skill.

Both Viraj and Devanshi competed **without any prior national or international rating**, yet their **confidence, discipline, and high-level training** were evident in their gameplay.

The **CIL International School of Chess**, **Chess in Lakescity**, coaches, and parents expressed pride and congratulated the young players, wishing them a **bright and successful future** in chess.