Under the auspices of the Vikas Chess Academy, the District Chess Association organized a selection competition for the senior and under 7 categories in Raipur district on Sunday. The event, held at Anand Samaj Reading Room in Bramhan Para, witnessed enthusiastic participation from chess players in the region.
In the senior open category, Vivek Sahu emerged victorious and claimed the title of Raipur district champion. Demonstrating their skills and dedication, Mayank Dewangan secured the second position, followed by Shubham Basone in third place and Vinesh Daulatani in fourth. The final rankings were determined based on tiebreak points, reflecting the competitive nature of the tournament.
In the under 7 category, young chess prodigy Arnav Goyal showcased exceptional talent and clinched the championship title. Rajveer Ajwani secured the second position, while Amartya Jha finished in third place. In a closely contested battle, Shavi Jain emerged as the Raipur district champion, and Anika Gupta was the runner-up. Their performances were evaluated based on tiebreak points, highlighting their potential in the game.
The winners and runners-up of this competition have earned the privilege to represent Raipur district in the upcoming state-level senior selection competition scheduled to be held in Mungeli from July 7 to 10. This opportunity will allow them to compete against other skilled players from different districts, aiming for further recognition and success.
During the prize distribution ceremony, the first, second, third, and fourth place winners were awarded cash prizes of Rs. 5000, Rs. 3000, Rs. 2000, and Rs. 1000, respectively. In addition to trophies and medals, all participants received certificates and gifts as tokens of appreciation for their participation.
The event witnessed the presence of esteemed guests, who honored all participants by showering flowers upon them. The competition was under the guidance of Director Vikas Sharma, while international player Vinod Sharma served as the tournament director, ensuring fair play and adherence to regulations.
The prize distribution was conducted by Naveen Shukla, Secretary of the District Chess Association, and Anand Awadhiya, Co-Secretary of the Chhattisgarh State Chess Association. The closing ceremony was graced by the presence of chess players, including Sandeep Dewan, Gaurav Dewan, Rohit Yadav, and their family members from the District Chess Association.
This selection competition not only showcased the talent and dedication of chess enthusiasts in Raipur but also provided a platform for aspiring players to exhibit their skills and represent their district in higher-level competitions. The event served as a testament to the growing popularity and enthusiasm for chess in the region, fostering a sense of camaraderie and healthy competition among players of all ages.