PANAJI
The All India Civil Services Chess Tournament was held at the Bhausaheb Bandodkar Krida Sankool Sports Complex, Peddem, Mapusa, Goa, organized by the Directorate of Sports & Youth Affairs in association with the Central Civil Services Cultural and Sports Board, New Delhi.
The four-day event witnessed enthusiastic participation from 35 states, union territories, and regional sports boards across India, with 20 women’s teams also competing. For the first time, the Men’s Individual category was recognized as a FIDE-rated event.
The opening and closing ceremonies were attended by several dignitaries, including Suneel Anchipaka, IAS, Secretary (Sports and Youth Affairs); Arvind Khutkar, Tournament Chairman and Director of the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs; Ram Ranjan Singh, Convenor of the tournament; Dr. Vivek Pawar, Competition Manager; Antoneta Pinto, Nodal Officer; and International Arbiter Arvind Mhamal, who served as Chief Arbiter.
The tournament featured four main events: Individual Men, Individual Women, Team Men, and Team Women. It also saw participation from 2 International Masters, 1 FIDE Master, and 4 Candidate Masters. A special highlight was the participation of Mr. Prachurya Kumar Pradhan, a specially-abled player from Odisha.
In the Men’s Team category, RSB Chennai emerged as champions. Kerala clinched the title in the Women’s Team category, scoring 11 match points, while Chhattisgarh and Central Secretariat, New Delhi secured second and third places, respectively.
In the Individual Men’s category, Utkal Ranjan Sahoo of RSB Bhubaneswar claimed the top spot. Amrutha S. of RSB Mumbai was crowned champion in the Women’s Individual category.
Veteran Category: Best Men Veteran: Sanjeev Kumar (RSB Mumbai); Best Women Veteran: Padmajan Nayudu Chauhan (MP Secretariat); Individual Winner (Goa): Akansha Ulhas Dessai
The tournament provided a platform for civil servants to demonstrate their strategic prowess and sportsmanship. Organizers hailed the event as a grand success, emphasizing its role in promoting mental discipline and camaraderie among government employees through chess.
