Deputy Commissioner Kohima Shanavas C with NCA officials and players of Nagaland State Chess Championship 2023 the Nagaland Olympic Association office complex, Kohima on July 19. (Morung Photo)
Young players ponder their moves during the first day of 19th Nagaland State Chess Championship 2023 at the Nagaland Olympic Association office complex, Kohima on July 19. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | July 19
A four-day long 19th Nagaland State Chess Championship 2023 under the aegis of Nagaland Chess Association (NCA) got underway today at Nagaland Olympic Association (NOA) office complex.
Altogether, 48 players from different parts of the state registered for the championship, which will continue till July 22.
Gracing the inaugural function as the special guest, Shanavas C, Deputy Commissioner Kohima, maintained that chess is a game of brain, which required a lot of concentration, strategy and planning.
To the players from different educational institutions, he said “Whatever you are doing with the game of chess, it will help you in your study also. This will improve your concentration and analytical ability.”
Asking them to be serious if they are really interested, he said, in chess, one should have hard work, perseverance and determination to become a great player of tomorrow.
Referring to the ongoing chess championship, the DC urged players not to confine their playground to just Kohima or Dimapur but to focus on national and international platforms.
Encouraging the players to dream more and more, he said, “If you want something, go and get it. If you don’t want it, don’t pursue. But if want it, you have to pursue till you achieve it.”
Further, Shanavas assured that the district administration on its part, would too support the game of chess, in every possible manner.
The inaugural function was compered by Ruokuosenuo Metha. Velu presented a special number.
Over Rs 2 lakh total prize money
A total prize money of Rs 2,06,000 has been set for the championship.
The champion in Open Category will win a cash prize of Rs 50,000 along with trophy while 2nd, 3rd and 4th place winner will get Rs 30,000, Rs 20,000 and Rs 10,000 respectively.
The 5th to 10 position will be awarded with Rs 5000 each.
The Champion under-18 years category will get a cash prize of Rs 10,000 while 2nd and 3rd place winner will be awarded with Rs 7000 and Rs 5000 respectively. The 4th and 5th position will fetch Rs 3000 each.
Rs. 10,000 has been earmarked as prize money for the champions of Under-14 category while the rest are 2nd prize- Rs 7000, 3rd prize- Rs 5000, 4th and 5th position-Rs 3000 each.
Best women player will be awarded with Rs 5000 and Best 60 years & above at Rs 5000.
Damian Lyngdoh (8 years) is the youngest participant of the ongoing championship.
Top 4 players to represent State at National championship
Mughaho Awomi, Honorary Secretary NCA and Joint Secretary All India Chess Federation (AICF) informed that top 4 players from this year’s championship will represent Nagaland at the forthcoming National chess championship scheduled for August 16 to 26 at Pune, Maharashtra.
Due to consistent sponsorship of the prize money by NCA President Neiba Kronu, the Association is able to offer substantial rewards, maintaining the same level as the previous year,” he further maintained.
“His unwavering commitment to the growth of Chess in Nagaland deserves our utmost gratitude,” Awomi added.
He informed that recognising the urgent need for grassroots development of Chess, the NCA is actively engaged in planning coaching camps for chess in school programme in collaboration with AICF sponsorship and Government of Nagaland.
“Our aim is to bridge the gap and ensure that our state catch up with others in providing this valuable programme to our young chess enthusiasts,” Awomi added.
