MARGAO
The 4th edition of the Late Venkatesh & Sumathi Shanbhag Memorial All India FIDE Rapid Rating Chess Rolling Trophy Tournament 2025 began with great excitement and ceremonial grandeur at Mormugao. Organized by the Mormugao Taluka Chess Association (MTCA) and sponsored by Sukhant Shanbhag, the tournament has drawn an overwhelming response, with 404 participants, including two International Masters (IMs), and chess players hailing from six states across India.
The inaugural function was a dignified and inspiring event attended by a host of distinguished guests and enthusiastic chess supporters. Chief Guest and chief sponsor Sukhant Shanbhag officially inaugurated the tournament. In his address, he reaffirmed his dedication to promoting chess as a vital tool for intellectual growth and youth engagement.
The Guest of Honour, Vishwanth Swar, former Principal of MES Higher Secondary School, praised the efforts of the organizing committee. He underscored the role such tournaments play in cultivating disciplined, analytical minds among the younger generation.
The dais was adorned with several eminent personalities, including: Kishor Bandekar (President, MTCA), Sharendra Naik (President, Canacona Taluka Chess Association), Mukund Kambli (Secretary, MTCA), Pundlik Nayak (Treasurer, MTCA), Deepak Gawas (Centenary Chess Club), Roopa Berulkar (President, Queens Chess & Cultural Club) and IA Sanjay Kavlekar (Chief Arbiter)
By the end of Round 2, top-seeded players, including International Master Nitish Belurkar and International Master Amey Audi, comfortably secured victories in their respective matches.
