Winners of the 21st Nagaland State Chess Championship 2025 with NCA officials and others in Kohima on July 5. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | July 5
Kevilekho Zumvu on Saturday clinched the title in the open category of the 21st Nagaland State Chess Championship, organised by the Nagaland Chess Association (NCA) under the aegis of the All India Chess Federation and supported by Ockter Services Pvt. Ltd., Dimapur.
The three-day championship, held from July 3 to 5 at the Nagaland Olympic Association (NOA) Complex in Kohima, saw participation from 58 players.
Zumvu received a cash prize of Rs 30,000 along with a trophy and citation. Heilamgumbe Haikube secured second place with Rs 20,000, while Salhuto Nyekha came third, receiving Rs 10,000, a trophy and a citation. Mughaho Awomi, who finished fourth, was awarded Rs 5,000.
Players finishing in the 5th to 10th positions—Kehung Haikam, Visanyuzo Kuotsu, Vikiye Sumi, Kughaho Kiho, Itokhu Sumi, and Sukhavi Achumi—were awarded Rs 2,000 each.
The top four players from the open category will represent Nagaland at the 62nd National Chess Championship to be held in Andhra Pradesh from September 21 to October 1, 2025.
In the Under-14 category, Jitihto Nyekha of Touch of Hope School, Chümoukedima, secured first place and received Rs 5,000. Heilhoukho Semou of North Field School, Kohima, and Kevisehu T. Zatsu of G. Rio School, Kohima, secured second and third positions, winning Rs 3,000 and Rs 2,000, respectively.
In the Under-10 category, Otsi Tunyi of North Field School, Kohima, won first place and received Rs 5,000. Damiah Lyngdoh of G. Rio School and Jeremy Zhimomi of N. N. Nagi School, Dimapur, secured second and third places, with Rs 3,000 and Rs 2,000 respectively.
Choli Tunyi of North Field School, Kohima, was adjudged the Best Female Player in the Under-10 category and received Rs 2,000. Maongkar Ozukum, also from North Field School, was named Best Player in the Under-7 category and received Rs 2,000.
Chief Arbiter Vekukho Soho announced the results, while the vote of thanks was delivered by NCA Joint Secretary Mengise Haikam. The championship carried a total prize pool of Rs 1,01,000.
