KOHIMA — The 19th Nagaland State Chess Championship 2023, organised by the Nagaland Chess Association (NCA), got underway at the Nagaland Olympic Association Complex, Kohima, on Wednesday.
Speaking at the inaugural, Deputy Commissioner of Kohima, Shanavas C, said that chess is a game of the brain, takes a lot of patience, concentration, and strategic planning, and the analytical ability required in the game can help students in their studies and education.
He urged the players, who comprised mostly students, to take chess seriously and not just as a recreational activity. He advised them not to mind failures but to work hard and persevere through the process.
Pointing out that children in the region often lack aspirations and tend to limit their dreams to Nagaland, he encouraged them to dream big. He emphasised that their playground should extend beyond Nagaland to encompass India and the entire world.
[bsa_pro_ad_space id=1]He opined that while the state government is not very supportive of sports and games, he remains hopeful that it will extend support to individuals of calibre in the days to come.
Mughaho Awomi, the honorary secretary of NCA and joint secretary of the All India Chess Federation (AICF), stated that the federation has successfully included chess in school programmes in various states. However, he regretted that Nagaland is falling behind in this.
Recognising the urgent need for grassroots development, the NCA is actively engaged in planning coaching camps for chess in school programmes in collaboration with AICF sponsorship and the Government of Nagaland, he said, adding that the NCA's aim is to bridge the gap and ensure that Nagaland catches up with others in providing the programme to young chess enthusiasts.
[bsa_pro_ad_space id=1]He commented that support and collective efforts will be crucial in shaping the growth and development of chess in Nagaland and noted that they can create an environment where this ancient game thrives and paves the way for talented players to emerge.
The tournament, which will culminate on Saturday, has a total prize pool of INR 2,06,000.
In the open category, the winner will take home INR 50,000 along with a trophy. The runner-up will receive INR 30,000 and a trophy, and the player who comes in third will receive INR 20,000 along with a trophy. Fourth place will get INR 10,000. Those ranked from fifth to tenth will be awarded INR 5,000 each.
In the under-18 and under-14 categories, the first prize will be INR 10,000 each, along with a trophy. The second prize is INR 7,000 with a trophy each, and the third is INR 5,000 with a trophy each. Those in the fourth and fifth positions will receive INR 3,000 each.
The best woman player will be awarded INR 5,000. The best player aged 60 years and older will receive INR 5,000. All participants will also be awarded certificates.