The 17th ACA Rapid Chess Tournament – FIDE Rated, hosted by Arjun’s Chess Academy, was successfully held on October 17, 2025, at the Game Arena, ACA Bahrain. The event drew an impressive participation of 53 players, featuring intense battles, tactical creativity, and sportsmanship throughout seven competitive rounds.

After a day filled with remarkable games, the top honors went to some of Bahrain’s finest and emerging chess talents.

🏅 Overall Winners
1st Place: Mero Aghiad – 7 Points
2nd Place: Navaneet Sreekanth – 5.5 Points
3rd Place: Rishi N – 5.5 Points
4th Place: Prithvi Raj Prajeesh – 5.5 Points
5th Place: Rudra – 5 Points
6th Place: Cabaya Joey – 5 Points
7th Place: Harsin Hazarika – 5 Points

🎖️ Special Category Winners
Best Player (0–1600): Noel Abraham Punnoose – 4 Points
Best Player (0–1500): Arav Mehta – 4.5 Points
Best Unrated Player: Uma Eswari Meenakshinathan – 4 Points
Best Under 8 Player: Hridik Dhananjaya Shetty – 2 Points
Best Under 10 Player: Ehan Anjam – 4 Points
Best Under 12 Player: Aradhy Roy – 4.5 Points
Best Girl: Dhruvi Shrikant Panigrahi – 4.5 Points

🎖️ ACA Level Awards
Best Rook Level Player: Ineeyan Devaraj Vigil – 3.5 Points
Best Bishop Level Player: Suhaan Sukumar – 4 Points
Best Bishop Level Player (2): Vidhun Kumaresan – 3 Points
Best Knight Level Player: Srihari Abhilash – 3 Points

The tournament once again highlighted the high level of chess being played by both rated and unrated participants in Bahrain. From seasoned players to promising juniors, every round brought excitement and learning opportunities.

The tournament was inaugurated by Mr. Ebrahim Alburshaid, former General Secretary of the Bahrain Chess Federation.

The event concluded with a lively prize distribution ceremony, where winners were honored with trophies and medals. Arjun’s Chess Academy continues its mission of nurturing young chess talent and promoting a culture of excellence through regular FIDE-rated and in-house tournaments across Bahrain.