Avaneesh Prasad K. and Lasy Shetty, two under‑14 chess players from Kashvi Chess School in Kundapura, earned spots at the national SGFI Chess Championship after securing third and fourth places respectively at the state tournament held in Gangavathi, Koppal, from October 15 to 17, 2026.
The Education Department organised the 2026 SGFI (State Syllabus) Karnataka state‑level championship for boys and girls under 14. Participants arrived from several districts, but the standout performances came from the Udupi‑district duo. Avaneesh clinched the boys' third position, while Lasy amassed 7.5 points in nine rounds to finish fourth in the girls' category.
Both youngsters demonstrated sharp tactical skills, concentration and confidence, outplaying strong opponents throughout the intense competition. Their achievements guarantee representation of Karnataka at the upcoming national SGFI event slated for central India.
Avaneesh is the son of Santosh Karvi and Malti Karvi and studies at Hemmadhi Janata Higher Secondary School. Lasy, daughter of Mahesh Shetty and Deepika Shetty, attends Karnataka Public School in Brahmavar. Their success brings recognition to their school, their families and the broader Udupi district.
With the national championship on the horizon, the two players are preparing intensively, aiming to translate their state‑level momentum into a strong showing on the countrywide stage. Their qualification underscores the growing chess culture in coastal Karnataka and highlights the effectiveness of dedicated training programs at local schools like Kashvi Chess School.
Image: kundapraa.com
📰 Source: Kundapra