Ashadeep Apang Mahila Bal Vikas Sanstha, Rotary Club of Nagpur Downtown, and Vidarbha Samshodhan Mandal Nagpur jointly organized a Unique and Special chess tournament between visually impaired and Sighted persons on Sunday, the 17 April 2022. The Tournament was conducted by Chess Association, Nagpur.
The competition was inaugurated by lighting the lamps by IPDG Rotarian Shabbir Shakir. His enthusiastic speech to develop one’s personality inspired the participants. Dr. Rajendra Watane, Secretary, Vidarbha Samshodhan Mandal expressed that Mandal is delighted to support this Divyang-friendly initiative wishing all the players the very best. Senior Adviser of Ashadeep, Lalasaheb Patil congratulated and complimented Team Ashadeep for organizing such a novel initiative.
Working President of Chess Association Nagpur Satchidanand Soman explained the Modalities and rules of the game to the visually impaired Divyang and sighted players for smooth and harmonious conduction of the tournament. Aparna Kulkarni, Secretary of Ashadeep compared the program and gave the vote of thanks.
The tournament was conducted amongst 4 Teams of Sighted Players and 4 Teams of visually impaired and the matches were played in 4 rounds. Competitors who could not be included in the team were given the opportunity to play with the sighted players from the audience and also with Soman and Bhushan Shriwas from Chess Association Nagpur, who enthusiastically supported the spirit of the game.
The special feature of this competition was the enthusiastic participation of players of the age group of 10 years to 78 years. In addition to normal participation certificates, all players were given Braille certificates, as a gesture.
The prize distribution ceremony was graced by Dronacharya awardee sport master Vijay Munishwar as chief guest. Dr. Pratima Shastri, President Ashadeep, Hrishikeshji Mayee, President Rotary Club of Nagpur Downtown and Shirishji Darvekar shared the dias.
Dr. Sangita Bhoyar introduced the chief guest and the competition report and results were presented by Joint Secretary Supriya Kekatpure.
The winner (Blind Team)
Louis Braille team –
Gyaniram, Tijan, Saurabh and Sachin
Runner-up (Blind Team)
Shubhangi, Mrinali, Kiran and Abhishek
The winner (Sighted group)
Veteran team
Shamkunwar, Barhanpure, Agasti, and Bahadur
Runner-up (Sighted group)
Junior team
Deep, Prathamesh, Arav, and Saptak
In addition, the best player on each board from both groups was given a prize.
Board 1 Tijan (Blind Group) and Y.M.Shamkunwar (Sighted Group)
Board 2 Gyaniram (Blind Group) and Vinay Barhanpure (Sighted Group)
Board 3 Saurabh (Blind Group) and Harihar Agasti (Sighted Group)
Board 4 Rajesh (Blind Group) and T.N. Bahadure (Sighted Group)
Apart from these, special prizes were given to the best blind female player, and the oldest and the youngest players.
Expressing his thoughts on the occasion, Dr. Hrishikesh Mayee stated, “Being an ophthalmologist, I always come in contact with the visually impaired. I know their feelings and problems. I was keen to be part of such a competition during my presidencyâ€.
Vijay Munishwar said that yoga is very important in the life of athletes and appealed to all to adopt a yogic lifestyle. He expressed his gratitude towards his mother, Janardhan Swami for his disciplined lifestyle and wished all the players the best of luck in their endeavours.
Shirishji Darvekar congratulated everyone and gave detailed information about the “Radio Aksh†facility launched by Saksham for the visually impaired.
Dr. Pratima Shastri congratulated everyone in the presidential remarks and explained that the idea behind this special event was to project the abilities of the disabled and bring them into the mainstream of society.
The entire tournament was smoothly conducted by Satchidanand Soman and Bhushan Shriwas from Chess Association, Nagpur. Amit Tembhurne, SNA was the Chief Arbiter who was assisted by Prayas Ambade and Amit Bhongare as his Deputies.
Energetic support from the Rotaract Community team needs special mention.
The Rotary Club of Nagpur Downtown distributed white sticks to needy blind people.
Abhijit Thackeray, Secretary, Rotary Club of Nagpur Downtown proposed the vote of thanks.