Alappuzha: In order to promote chess tourism in Kerala, the state's Minister for Tourism, PA Muhammed Riyas will play International Master (IM) V Saravanan on a houseboat in Alappuzha on October 9.
On the day, a tournament dubbed 'Chess Houseboat Global 2021' comprising at least 40 young and old chess players of Kerala will be held on houseboats floating over the Vembanad Lake here.
According to the organisers, Orient Chess Moves, 'Chess Houseboat Global' is India's lone participant in the worldwide chess-tourism activity hosted by legendary Hungarian chess player Judit Polgar's foundation.
This year, Polgar's Global Chess Festival will be held in 13 countries namely, Hungary, Romania, Serbia, USA, Cyprus, Uruguay, France, Belarus, United Arab Emirates, Canada, Czech Republic, India and Nepal.
"Our one-day event is the only entrant in the Global Chess Festival from India," said chess Olympian Prof. NR Anilkumar, one of the organisers. He said that there are no registration fees.
IM Saravanan will also play a simultaneous chess event with 30 players. Chess quiz, chess painting and chess photography will also be held on the occasion, said Anilkumar.
Last year, a chess houseboat tournament was held over the Vembanad Lake that was attended by players from five countries. FIDE vice-president and Grandmaster Nigel Short had also visited Kerala on the occasion.
