the goan I network
PANAJI
The Goa Chess Association has entered its 40th year with a bang, having achieved the reputation of being the only state governing body with taluka-based associations, with its continuous chess activities providing grassroots exposure to an ever-increasing player base in the state, which also got its first Grand Master this year in the form of Anurag Mhamal. Moreover, the state chess association has also planned its first Grand Master chess tournament, which will be a mega boost for local chess fraternity.
The celebration of the completion of 39 years and arrival of the 40th, was held at Institute Menezes Braganza hall, here recently. Chief Minister, Manohar Parrikar lauded the efforts of the association to promote chess and take it to the grassroots level. Rajya Sabha MP and former president of Goa Chess Association, Vinay Tendulkar expressed happiness about the efforts being taken by present association in promoting chess in Goa. MLA and current president Nilesh Cabral said that chess in Goa is at a crucial phase and GCA is making all attempts for raising the funds as substantial funding is needed for the development of chess. GCA is planning for a GM tournament so that Goan youth will be benefited from such a tournament at home.
President of Asian Chess Zone 3.7, Ravindra Dongre expressed his happiness about ‘chess in school' programme (CIS) first of its kind in India, being implemented in Goa in partnership with GVM's, Ponda which has been appreciated by students and parents alike and assured his support for the same. Treasurer of AICF & Secretary of Goa Chess Association, Kishor Bandekar gave an insight of last 39 years of Goan chess and he briefed the gathering about various crucial happenings. Chief Minister, Parrikar released the souvenir on the occasion to commemorate the celebrations. On this occasion, titled players from Goa, national and international medal winners, past presidents and secretaries, major sponsors, organisers and senior state chess champions in open and women's section were felicitated.
GM Anurag Mhamal was felicitated for being the first GM of Goa and cheque of Rs 5 lakh from state government, was presented to him. WGM Bhakti Kulkarni, IM Rohan Ahuja, FM Ameya Audi, FM M. Barath, FM Nitish Belurkar, WIM Ivana Furtado (3WGM norms), WFM Riya Savant, CM Leon Mendonca, WCM Swera Braganca and WCM Gunjal Chopdekar were felicitated.
Past presidents, Dr RV Deo, Devidas Asnodkar, Ashesh Keni, Sameer Salgaocar, Balakrishnan V, Vinay Tendulkar and current president Nilesh Cabral; past secretaries M R Naik, Pundalik Nayak, Suhas Asnodkar (ex-secretary/state champion), Arvind Mhamal (secretary/Fide arbiter) and Kishor Bandekar (secy, treasurer AICF, Fide arbiter.) were felicitated. International medal winners Ritviz Parab (one IM Norm), Riddhi Zantye and Reuban Colaco; National medal winners Sanjay Kavalekar (National Champion for Blinds, Coach, Fide arbiter, organiser) and Rishubh Naik were also felicitated.
Senior Open state champions - Sachin Arolkar, Kartik Muchandi, Adv P M Kantak, Vasant Naik (Fide arbiter/organiser) and Standrik Colaco. Swapnil Hoble (Coach) was felicitated for participation in world juniors held in Goa, Shubham Pinge recognised as best player and for his record participation in nationals, AIM title holder Wilson Cruz and Sayuri Naik were also felicitated on this occasion. Senior women chess champions Sandhya Korde, Shyamal Kansar, Prassana Swamy, Gauri Hadkonkar, Nandini Saripalli and Aditee Prabhugaonkar were also felicitated
Bhai Naik (A N Naik foundation), Rajendra Desai (Desai Pratishthan), Prakash Volvotkar (Insight), Aarti Sukthankar and Aparna Chari (Mushtifund PTA), Deepak Bandekar (Hotel Calangute Tower) were felicitated for their help in organising chess events. Sivaswamy V (coach, organiser), Dattaram Pinge (Fide arbiter, organiser) and Sanjay Belurkar (souvenir editor) were felicitated for their contribution.
