The region is also known as the Sugar belt of India, and for the high quality grapes that it produces.
Location of Sangli. Look carefully and you’ll notice another important tourist location, Goa to the South west of Sangli.
When it comes to Chess, very few big cities can compete with the dedication and ferocity with which tournaments are churned out of Sangli. The Chess culture prevalent here is attributed to the iconic Shri Bhausaheb Padsalgikar. Bhausaheb, as he is popularly called, took part in the Commonwealth Chess Championship at the age of 90!. He has spared no effort to take Chess to the masses over the last few decades. He has received numerous awards for his contribution to Chess and his enthusiasm for Chess is to be seen to be believed. His driver says that it is difficult to stop Bhausaheb from reaching the tournament venue regularly even though he has had an important operation recently. His breath-taking knowledge of chess is awe inspiring even to seasoned professionals boasting high FIDE ratings. He is regularly seen kibitzing and giving valuable tips to youngsters.
Such is the cultural significance of Sangli Chess, that even Anand has played here early in his career. Anand sends encouraging messages to the organizers even now.
