PANAJI
Chess talent from across Canacona came together at Shradhanand Vidyalaya, Paingin, recently for the 4th Daji Sonawane Memorial Canacona Taluka Chess Tournament 2026, with around 140 players participating in the eight-round Swiss league competition.
The tournament was sponsored and organised by Harsh Sonawane in association with Aghanims Media.
The tournament was conducted over eight rounds under the Swiss league system, with players competing for the top positions as well as age-category honours.
At the conclusion of the competition, Tvisha Vallabha Dessai and Komarpant Sarvesh were among the first three winners, while Shaurya N. Prabhu Agrasani finished fourth and Vansh Vallabha Dessai took fifth place. Shantanu Paresh Naik Gaonkar secured sixth place, followed by Faldesai Manav in seventh, Naik Shrinay Vinodkumar in eighth, Gaonkar Pranish Prasad in ninth and Dessai Piyush in tenth.
The tournament also recognised promising young players across different age groups. In the U-7 category, the boys' prize went to Naik Daksh, while Kankonkar Amaira Sarvanand won the girls' prize. In the U-9 category, Pawaskar Hridaan and Kankonkar Shaurvi emerged winners in the boys' and girls' sections respectively.
The U-11 honours went to Tawadkar Saharsh Santosh among the boys and Naik Anvi S. among the girls. In the U-13 category, Sudhir Kanish K. won the boys' prize, while Naik Gaonkar Anushree Shrijay topped the girls' section. The U-15 prizes were won by Fernandes Zade Noy in the boys' category and Kashmir Tulshidas Desai among the girls.
Three players were also recognised as Emerging Chess Players — Sarthak Pawaskar, Umang Desai and Riddhi Chari.
The prize distribution ceremony was attended by Savita Tawadkar, Sarpanch of V.P. Poinginim, as chief guest, with Sunil Painginkar, Dy. Sarpanch, as guest of honour. Panch members Satish Painginkar and Pravir Bhandari were present as special invitees.
