Port Blair, Oct 31: A State Level Inter Departmental Open Chess tournament 2021 organised by the Andaman & Nicobar Teachers’ Association in collaboration with Andaman Nicobar Chess Association on Sunday, 31.10.2021in the auditorium of Tagore Govt. College of Education, Middle Point, Port Blair.
Around 40 players from various Departments of A & N Administration participated in the competition. In his welcome address, Mr. Y.Sajeevan, President ANTA informed the gathering that the objective of the event was to popularise the game of chess in the islands especially among school children. The inspiration for this was from the introduction of chess in schools of Ahmadabadin 2009 by Hon’ble Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi, the then Chief Minister of Gujarat after his visit from the port town of BAKU which produced eight Grand Masters including Gary Kasparov.
Mr. Sunil Anchipaka, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, South Andaman graced the occasion as the Chief Guest in the inaugural ceremonyand made the First Move on the top board to flag off the event. He lauded the efforts of ANTA and ANCA for organising the event and expressed his support in promoting the popularity of the game in the islands. He said that the game of chess shall improve the concentration, patience, logical thinking and mental ability of children at their young age.
¬The tournament was held in Rapid mode over 6 rounds in which Sanjay Kumarof Forest Department was adjudged the winner of the tournament who scored six points in six rounds.M Dhan Raju of District & Session Court&Commandant A K S Srimannarayana of Indian Coast Guard scored five pointseachand took the second & third positions respectively.The top three players were awarded with trophies, medals and certificates
¬¬¬¬Mr. Vinay Jindal, Director, RD and PRIs was the chief guest for the closing ceremony who gave away the prizes to the winners at the valedictory function. Speaking on the occasion, he appreciated the performance of the winners as well as the enthusiasm of all the participants.
Mr. H. Dinesh, International Arbiter was the Chief Arbiter for the tournamentwho presented the Arbiter’s report at the end of the event.
