The 19th Nagaland State Chess Championship organised by Nagaland Chess Association was inaugurated on Wednesday at the Nagaland Olympic Association Office Complex, Kohima.

Special guest, Kohima Deputy Commissioner Shanavas C, IAS in his speech mentioned that concentration, strategy and planning, which are essential qualities in the game of chess, also help players in their daily lives. He said chess is such a game that help train an individual’s brain in solving the analytics of studies.

The DC stressed that Nagaland needs to build the game in chess and requested parents to be supportive as chess is not an expensive game unlike other sports and one can play irrespective of their economic status.

He also advised the participants to dream big and aim to represent not only the state but the country in international level. Shanavas encouraged all to work hard and fight hard and make sure failure do not stop them from trying. He said that if one wants to win, one should pursue until the goal is achieved.

He regretted that the state is not very supportive of athletes, be it chess or any game but he assured support on behalf of the Kohima District Sports Council.

Nagaland Chess Association and Joint Secretary, All India Chess Federation, Mughaho Awomi in his welcome address mentioned AICF’s introduction of chess in school program in various states. He said Nagaland is currently falling behind in the area and said that recognising the urgent need for the sport’s development in the grassroots level, the NCA is actively engaged in planning coaching camps for chess in school program in collaboration with the AICF sponsorship and the Government of Nagaland. Awomi informed that the aim of the project is to bridge the gap and ensure that our state catches-up with others in providing this valuable program to our young chess enthusiasts.

There are 48 participants with Damian Lyngdoh, 8 years as the youngest player.

Prize for open category: 1st- Rs. 50,000 and Trophy, 2nd- Rs. 30,000 and Trophy, 3rd- Rs. 20,000 and Trophy, 4th – Rs. 10,000, 5th -10th – Rs. 5000

Under- 18 years category: 1st- Rs. 10000 and Trophy, 2nd – Rs. 7000 and Trophy, 3rd -Rs. 5000 and Trophy ,4th and 5th- Rs.3000

Under -14 years category: 1st- Rs. 10000 and Trophy, 2nd- Rs.7000 and Trophy, 3rd -Rs.5000 Trophy, 4th and 5th -Rs.3000

Best women player -Rs.5000

Best 60 years & above – Rs.5000

All participants of the 19th Nagaland State Chess Championship will be presented with certificates.