The All India Chess Federation for the Blind (AICFB), in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Honnavar, successfully completed the AICFB National Junior Chess Championship for Visually Challenged 2024. The event was held from November 19 to November 21, 2024, at the serene Mayuri Eco Beach Resort Shanbag Residency, Honnavar.
The championship witnessed the participation of talented young chess players from across the nation, showcasing exceptional skills and determination despite visual challenges. The event culminated in a grand closing ceremony held at 3 PM at the same venue.
The prizes were distributed by the Chief Guest, Rtn. P. V. Prajit, Managing Director, Mercury Ship Repairs Private Limited, Karwar. The ceremony was graced by the presence of several esteemed guests, including:
Rtn. Raghavendra Prabhu, Rotary Assistant Governor Mr. Srikanth Naik, Event Chairman, Rotary Club Honnavar Rtn. M. M. Hegde, Secretary, Rotary Club Honnavar Rtn. S. N. Hegde, Treasurer, Rotary Club Honnavar Rtn, Suryakant Sarang, President, Rotary Club Honnavar, Mr. Kishan Gangolli, International Chess Player and Vice President, AICFB, Mr. Swapnil Shah, Treasurer, AICFB
This championship provided a platform to nurture and recognize the talents of visually challenged players, reaffirming AICFB’s commitment to empowering them through chess. The Rotary Club of Honnavar played a pivotal role in hosting the event, ensuring its success.
The AICFB and Rotary Club of Honnavar extend their heartfelt gratitude to the players, sponsors, and supporters who contributed to making this event a memorable and impactful occasion.
The AICFB National Junior Chess Championship for the Visually Challenged 2024 was organized by the Rotary Club of Honavar. The championship became increasingly interesting after the 4th round. In the 5th round, leader John Harris was on the verge of winning the game, but in the last minute, he blundered and lost to Rahul Vaghela. In the 6th round, Aakash Vadalakonda drew with Rahul Vaghela, while on another board, John Harris drew with Sam Peniel P. In the final round, Rahul Vaghela played.
passively, and the game was heading towards a draw. However, Ved Slow slowly built up his position and eventually won the game after a long battle. On another board, John Harris lost to Akash Vadalakonda, securing the title for Akash with 6 points. Ved Neeraj Phaur, who celebrated his birthday yesterday, settled for second place.
| AICFB National Junior Chess Championship for the Visually Challenged 2024 | |||||||||
| Round 7 | |||||||||
| Bo. | Name | Rtg | Club | Pts | Res. | Pts | Name | Rtg | Club |
| 1 | Rahul Vaghela | 1603 | Gujarat | 5 | Lost to | 5½ | Ved Neeraj Phaur | 1501 | Maharashtra |
| 2 | John Harris Sujin | 1557 | Tamil Nadu | 4½ | Lost to | 6 | Aakash Vadlakonda | 1544 | Telangana |
| 3 | Waghmare Tanish | 1570 | Maharashtra | 5 | Beat | 4 | Manish Varma | 1515 | Delhi |
| 4 | Sam Peniel P | 1549 | Tamilnadu | 5 | Beat | 4 | Shivadeepak Kodipaka | 0 | Telangana |
| 5 | Gaurav Sheoran | 0 | Delhi | 4 | Lost to | 4½ | Abhay Krishna | 0 | Kerala |
| AICFB National Junior Chess Championship for the Visually Challenged 2024 | ||||
| Final ranking | ||||
| Rank | Name | Rtg | Club | |
| 1 | Aakash Vadlakonda | 1544 | Telangana | |
| 2 | Ved Neeraj Phaur | 1501 | Maharashtra | |
| 3 | Sam Peniel P | 1549 | Tamilnadu | |
| 4 | Waghmare Tanish | 1570 | Maharashtra | |
| 5 | Rahul Vaghela | 1603 | Gujarat | |
| 6 | John Harris Sujin | 1557 | Tamil Nadu | |
| 7 | Abhay Krishna | 0 | Kerala | |
| 8 | Muhammed Ranish | 1490 | Kerala | |
| 9 | Omkar Sameer Talwalkar | 1495 | Maharashtra | |
| 10 | Gaurav Sheoran | 0 | Delhi | |