MARGAO
The Mormugao Taluka Chess Association (MTCA) successfully organised “Queen’s Gambit 2026,” an all-Goa women’s chess tournament, drawing an impressive participation of 103 players from across the state.
Sponsored by MTCA president Sujan Sukhtankar, the tournament witnessed intense competition and showcased the growing strength of women’s chess in Goa. The event was conducted under the supervision of chief arbiter Dr. Pradnya Sachin Kakodkar of Queens Club, Bambolim.
In the main event, Tanvi Hadkonkar emerged as the champion with a consistent and commanding performance. WCM Gunjal Chopdekar finished as runner-up, while Vaishnavi Parab secured third place. Avani Sawaikar and Shrivalli Gandhi rounded off the top five standings.
The tournament also recognised winners across multiple categories. In the above-25 years category, top performers included Shalini Agarwal, Amisha Rane, Kirti Mokashi, Anushka Naik, Alexandria Rebello, Preeti Parab, Fevy Rego, Mrunali Shirodkar, Vaishali Parab and Vibha Borkar.
Among the age-group winners, Sayuri Prabhu Nasnodkar and Anvi Abhay Dessai excelled in the under-15 category, while Kaya Renee Coutinho and Diya Naik topped the under-13 group. In the under-11 category, Tvisha Vallabha Dessai and Krutika Aggarwal were among the winners, while Sidonia Dacunha and Amaira Borkar led the under-9 category. In the under-7 group, Sreeja Ditesh Ghanekar and Paaviya Pavankumar Naik emerged on top.
The tournament was inaugurated by Dr. Aisha Fernandes, with several dignitaries in attendance, including Dr. Rekha Poduwal, Dr. Jean Tellis, Priyanka Gaonkar, Pankaj Redkar and tournament director Komal Bandekar.
At the prize distribution ceremony, chief guest Manali Subhash Parsekar lauded the initiative, while guest of honour Shweta Ramnath Kukalenkar and other dignitaries, including Shailesh Malik, Teja Hadkonkar and Sarika Chopdekar, were present.
