NCA produce 15 International Elo rated players
Our Correspondent
Kohima | June 14
Twenty top chess players are vying for the 15th Nagaland State ‘A’ Chess Premier 2016 which kick-started here today at the Red Cross Society Conference Hall. The tournament being organised by the Nagaland Chess Association (NCA) will conclude on June 17.
The players include: Mughaho Awomi, Ketholelie Nisa, Melesai Dawhuo, Sede Nagi, Sukhavi Achumi, Viseyie Yano, Hekugha Heka Yeptho, Bovito Yeputho, Visanyuzo Kuotsu, Toivi Yeps, Vekukho Soho, Kevilekho Zumvu, Setso Peseyie, Kughaho Kiho, Thepfuchalie Mere, Tokuho Awomi, Denis Angami, Neikehiezo Zinyu, Helie Rupreo and Toikhu Awomi.
Parliamentary Secretary for Fire & Emergency Service and New & Renewable Energy Toyang Changkong Chang was the chief guest at the inaugural. Chang was appreciative that Naga people both young and old are showing enthusiasm towards the game of Chess and also some players bringing laurel to the state.
NCA president K. Sekhamo said the Association conducts two major tournaments every year. One is the state chess challenger which is open to all and from where 16 top players are selected to play with top four players of the previous edition. The other is State ‘A’ Chess Premier with 20 top participants.
From this State ‘A’ Chess Premier, four top players will represent the state at the National Chess Challenger which is slated to be held at Noida from July 8 this year, he informed.
NCA sends players to represent the state at the national level and also in north-east championships every year, Sekhamo informed.
Over the years, the NCA has produced 15 International Elo rated players. Amongst the state rated players, Ruguolie Angami is the first rated player from Nagaland.
Among the finest achievements of NCA is Mughaho Awomi, who was appointed as chess tutor. A three time champion at the National Level Open Chess Championship under 2000 rated category, Awomi won at Delhi in 2010, Jammu in 2011 and Hyderabad in 2014.
Stating that chess has become more and more popular in the world, Sekhamo said that these days many countries such as USA, Russia, China and European countries have introduced chess in the school curriculum.
Even in India, states like Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Delhi, West Bengal and Assam started introducing chess as school curriculum.
