PANAJI
Mayank Naik emerged as the winner of the 3rd Usgao Panchayat-level Chess Tournament, organised by the Dhatwada Usgao Citizen Forum in association with the Ponda Taluka Chess Association (PTCA) at Talaulim, Ponda.
Sangarsh Gaude, Shreyash Naik, Sanchita Gawde, Sahil Nadaf, Nazir Sayyed, Antony Danish and Nimansh Gaonkar secured the second to eighth positions respectively.
Saanvi Gaude was awarded the trophy for the Best Performance among Girls, while Ahmad Elagar and Zain Hakkiwale received consolation prizes.
The tournament was officiated by Chief Arbiter Anand Kurtikar, who was assisted by Milind Gaude and Harsh Kurtikar.
Prizes were distributed by Amogh Namshiker (Secretary, PTCA), Devidas Naik (Excise Officer), Vaibhavi Gaude (Panch member, Usgao Panchayat), Suvarna Naik (PE Teacher, St Joseph High School) and Vasudev Gaude (Secretary, Dhatwada Usgao Citizen Forum).
Speaking on the occasion, Amogh Namshiker appreciated the organising committee for successfully conducting the tournament. He urged parents and teachers to encourage children to take up chess, highlighting its role in enhancing mathematical problem-solving skills. He also shared information on the ‘Chess in Schools’ initiative.
Ramesh Gaonkar welcomed the gathering, while Vasudev Gaude proposed the vote of thanks.
