MARGAO
Aarav Chopdekar of Navy Children High School emerged as the winner of the 3rd TS Rangarajan Memorial Mormugao Taluka Inter-School Chess Tournament, held at the Regina Mundi High School Hall in Chicalim.
Chopdekar remained unbeaten throughout the tournament, securing 6.5 points from a possible 7 rounds. In the final round, he drew with Arthav Shirodkar of Mount Litera School, clinching the sole lead to claim the top spot. Shirodkar finished second with 6 points, while Rajveer Patil of Mata High School secured third place after defeating Ved Naik.
Top performers from the tournament were awarded prizes, including players from 4th to 10th place: Shock Mesta (St Joseph School), Anarv Singh (KV 1), Rishit Gawas (KV 1), Vipul Kadam (St Andrews ICSE), Erwin Albuquerque (Bharatiya Vidya Bhavans), Atharv Singh (KV 1), and Aaron D'Souza (St Andrews). Age-category winners included Daksh Redkar (U-13), Aarna Sawant (U-13), Tanush Rane (U-11), Mishka Shah (U-11), Ansh Gawas (U-9), Shreesha Ghadi (U-9), Shihaan Chowghule (U-7), and Aaradhya Dessai (U-7).
The event, organised by Mormugao Taluka Chess Association in collaboration with Regina Mundi School, was sponsored by International Master TS Vankatraman in memory of his late brother, TS Rangarajan, a former Regina Mundi student and passionate chess player. The tournament followed a Swiss league system with 7 rounds and attracted 150 players, including 21 rated players.
Prizes were awarded by chief guest Brother George Sebastian, Headmaster of Regina Mundi School, along with other dignitaries including Kishor Bandekar (President, MTCA), Mukund Kambli (Secretary, MTCA), and IA Swapnil Hoble (Chief Arbiter).
