PANAJI
Anish Naik emerged victorious at the Ponda Taluka-level Open Rapid Chess Tournament, organized by the Dhadsakhal Stars Sports and Cultural Club (DSSCC) in collaboration with the Ponda Taluka Chess Association (PTCA). The event took place at Devkikrishna Hall in Marcel and saw participation from 130 players. The tournament was inaugurated by Dr. Rajdatta Timble, with Arvind Mhamal serving as the Chief Arbiter and Milind Gaude as the Assistant Arbiter.
Yash Upadhye secured the second place, while Soham Naik claimed third in the open category. The rankings from fourth to fifteenth were filled by Avnish Borker, Riddhi Gaude, Siddhiraj Gaunkar, Mayank Kurtikar, Samruddh Borker, Swayam Naik, Sourish Haldankar, Raghvendra Gupta, Parth Kamat, Avaneeshwar Guin, Badal Bhagat, and Nitinchandra Dighe.
Consolation prizes were awarded to Gaurish Naik, Ridhaan Prabhudesai, Siaan Kerkar, Amaira Borkar, Sarthak Naik, Riddhi Narvekar, Samarth Gaonkar, Aarya Kamat Helekar, Nagesh Nayak, Bhumi Khedekar, Rohit Bharadwaj, and Saanvi Gaude.
Vishant Naik, Sarpanch of Betqui-Khandola Panchayat, was the Chief Guest at the prize distribution ceremony. Other notable attendees included Atul Lawande (President, DSSCC), Sagar Sakordekar (President, PTCA), Mangesh Gaonkar (Tournament Coordinator), Dnyanesh Narvekar (Administrative Chairman), and members Nandakumar Bhagat, Pramod Kamat, and Sandesh Naik.
