“Chess is an ancient game that enhances memory, concentration, courage, decision-making abilities, and management skills,” said Mr. Parag Pandharipande, Executive President, Vidarbha Samshodhan Mandal. He illustrated his points with historical examples and extended his best wishes to all players. He was speaking at the inauguration of a unique chess tournament for visually impaired and sighted players, jointly organized by Ashadeep Apang Mahila Bal Vikas Sanstha and Chess Association, Nagpur at Vidarbha Samshodhan Mandal. Dr. Pratima Shastri, President, Ashadeep, outlined the significance of the tournament, and the chairperson of the inaugural session,Lalasaheb Patil, conveyed his best wishes.
Citing examples of Indian Grandmasters like D. Gukesh, Praggnanandhaa, and Divya Deshmukh, Special Guest Dr. Sunil Deshpande, Former President, Chess Association, Nagpur emphasized analyzing one’s own and others’ mistakes, along with consistent practice, as the key to success in the game of chess.
In this unique chess tournament that promoted inclusivity, four teams of visually impaired players and four teams of sighted players participated, each team consisting of five players. The tournament of four rounds was conducted in an enthusiastic atmosphere. Additionally, visually impaired players who were not part of any team were given the opportunity to play with sighted individuals present at the event.
The awards to the winners were distributed at the valedictory ceremony by architect Mr. Rajendra Dongre and Dr. Manish Thool, Secretary, National Blind Chess Organization. Participants securing first and second-place as a team in both categories, as well as to the top two individual players were awarded on the occasion.
Winners:
Visually Impaired Category:
First Place: Manavatkar Team
Second Place: Gyani Ram Team
Sighted Category:
First Place: Raisoni Team
Second Place: Senior Players Team
*Additional Players:
First Place: Raju Jagadeo Gadkule
Second Place: Vishnavi Nehare
Awards were also given to the best player on each board. A special prize, sponsored by Mr. Manavatkar, was awarded to Teejan Gawar as the best visually impaired female player. Another prize was given to the youngest participant in the tournament Khushi Khursange .
Arbiter Shiva Iyer, and Amit Tembhurne, and officials from Vidarbha Chess Association, Bhushan Shriwas and Satchidanand Soman, were also felicitated during the valedictory session.
The program was compered by Dr. Vrinda Joglekar. Dr. Anagha Nasery proposed the vote of thanks.
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