CM felicitates ‘Golden’ Leon

PANAJI rrThe Goan chess protégé was honoured in the presence of Union Railways Minister Suresh Prabhu and Curchorem MLA and Goa Chess Association President Nilesh Cabral at a function held at Taleigao Community hall, Taleigao, recently. rThe newly elected GCA President Nilesh Cabral congratulated the young lad and said, “On behalf of the Goa Chess Association I would like to congratulate Leon for achieving this incredible feat and making our state proud by winning Gold at the international level.” “We wish him all the best for the ‘Catalan Chess Circuit’. We hope that young Leon inspires more players in the state to take up chess,” concluded Nilesh Cabral. Leon was also awarded an additional Gold medal as board prize for remaining undefeated throughout the tournament. “I am indeed very happy with gold medal and with my overall progress. I wish to thank the almighty for my talent, my dearest parents for their continued sacrifices and support, the coaches, the Goa Chess Association, friends and well wishers for their good wishes and blessings always,” said young Leon. rLeon’s teammates Gukesh D also remained undefeated while Pranav V and Rakshitta R lost two matches. rArmenia bagged the silver medal while hosts Russia settled for the bronze. Altogether 97 teams participated in the event. rLeon also participated at the ‘The Alekhine Memorial Grandmasters Open Chess Championship’ at Voronezh, Russia performing exceptionally well to increase his ELO Rating to a formidable 2222.