Mughaho Awomi clinches title at 12th Sumi Chess Championship

DIMAPUR — Mughaho Awomi emerged as the champion of the 12th Sumi Chess Championship, which concluded on August 22 at Hotel Acacia, Dimapur. It was organised by Sumi Chess Association Nagaland (SCAN).

According to a press release, on the third day of the competition, the open category witnessed a close contest among Mughaho, Kunvuto, Kughaho Kiho, Toivi, and Thophimi.

A draw between Mughaho and Kunvuto gave Mughaho a narrow edge, finishing with 6.5 points to secure the title. Toivi Yeptho secured the first runner-up position, while Kunvuto took the second.

Thophimi, who played as U-18, surprised all his opponents and played with the open category’s strong contender Kughaho, claiming the 4th position.

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In the U-18 category, Pulonito Hesso, a student from the North Eastern Regional Institute of Science and Technology, Arunachal Pradesh, topped the table and was crowned champion, while the Chishi brothers, Gihuca and Jesse, were the first and second runners-up.

The U-14 category witnessed a good number of women participants; however, male players dominated the board. Tunato Awomi, Pinuka J Zhimo, and Kuxupu G Achumi were the champion, first runner-up, and second runner-up, respectively.

Apishe Kiba Satami, a student of St. Mary Higher Secondary School, Dimapur; Jeremy Nitova Zhimomi of NN Nagi School; and Ahivi G Achumi were declared champion, first runner-up, and second runner-up, respectively.

A total of 15 girls competed for the championship. Among the female participants, Shenikali Hesso, Alibo Mugha Kiba, and Adele Jakhalu were bestowed with the titles of champion, first runner-up, and second runner-up.

Edlina Nini Kiba Satami of Bloom Academy, Ekranipathar, and Kimeto Awomi of DMI St. Joseph School received certificates, trophies, and cash prizes for being the youngest female and male participants, respectively.

It was mentioned that a total cash amount of INR 2,80,000 was spent to sponsor the awards.

In the closing programme, a prayer was also offered to the newly elected office bearers for the tenure 2025–2030. Further, it was mentioned that the new team of executives will be led by Itovi Awomi as president, Bovito Yeptho as general secretary, and eight other members, with Inakhe, Mughato, and Inavi as their advisors.