The eighth National ‘A’ Chess Championship for blind people was held at Sangli from Febuary 20 to 27 2006.

All India Chess Federation for the Blind, organisers of the tournament said: the tournament was played on round robin basis, with two rounds played every day according to FIDE and International Braille Chess Association rules.

In addition to the top ranking players, competitors included the top 16 men and eight women from the National ‘B’ tournament.

Top international FIDE rated players Shrikrishna Udupa, Charudatta Jadhav, Swapnil Shah and Rajesh Oza among other ranked players were seen in action.

This tournament is significant as the top four players from the men’s section and top two players from the women’s section are selected for the Indian team representing at the upcoming World Chess Championship for the Blind.