Shillong, Jun 20: The district level selection chess tournament concluded at Don Bosco Higher Secondary School, Rongkhon, Tura on Saturday, with 12 players qualifying to represent Garo Hills at the upcoming state championship in Shillong.
A total of 49 participants from East Garo Hills, North Garo Hills, and West Garo Hills vied in the competition, which employed a seven-round Swiss league format.
The tournament featured no age restrictions, with the youngest player being just five years old. The players selected for the state-level event are: Barbith M Sangma (1st), Pringprang Ch Marak (2nd), Arano Rikrim Ch Momin (3rd), Nityananda Hajong (4th), Predinath R Sangma (5th), Atchiso Ch Momin (6th), Sachin Kumar (7th), Marcosh N Marak (8th), Jaksram A Sangma (9th), Wilseng G Marak (10th), Lalaobirth M Sangma (11th) and Charming C Marak (12th).
Garo Hills Chess Association (GHCA) president Jesse James R Marak said that the event serves as a platform for nurturing chess talent in the region.
Despite a lower turnout this year, attributed to ongoing exams, Marak noted significant growth in chess popularity over the past few years. The GHCA is keen on organising a rated chess tournament for the entire Northeast, highlighting the association’s efforts to foster a stronger chess community.
He urged the state government and Sports Department to support the sport.
Principal of Don Bosco Higher Secondary School Fr. Ravi Prabhat Ekka said that chess builds focus, patience, and decision-making skills, making it a vital educational tool.
