Tag: Chess Tournament Goa

Sports

Saras Summer Powar Wins Gopal Sukhtankar Memorial Chess 2026

Tanisha Cardozo

The Late Lt Cdr Gopal Sukhtankar Memorial Open Rapid FIDE Rating Chess Tournament 2026 concluded on a high note in Panaji, showcasing some of the finest chess talent from across the region. Organised by the Mustifund Parents Teacher Association, the tournament marked its 14th edition, continuing its legacy of promoting competitive chess in Goa.

    Saras Summer Powar emerged as the champion after an intense competition, finishing with an impressive score of 8 points. In a closely contested battle, Joshua Telles matched the same score but had to settle for the runner-up position due to a marginally lower tie-break score. Aryavrat Naik Desai secured third place with a commendable 7.5 points, rounding off the top three.

    The tournament saw strong participation across categories, with several players delivering notable performances. From fourth to twentieth place, competitors including Abhishek Patil, Atharva Katkar, Rishikesh Parab, Maxwell Raposo, and others demonstrated high levels of skill and determination throughout the event.

    Young talents also took centre stage in the category prizes across various age groups, highlighting the depth of emerging chess players in Goa. Winners from U7 to U15 categories, including Shrivalli Gandhi, Lyia Silveira, Anvi Desai, and many more, showcased exceptional promise and competitive spirit.

    Special recognitions added further significance to the event, with Gaonkar Aayansh being honoured as the youngest player, while Elis Barreto and Kiran Chopdekar were recognised among veteran participants. Mushtifund players also received appreciation for their efforts and performances.

    The prize distribution ceremony was attended by distinguished guests including Chief Guest Sushant Redkar and Goa Chess Association President Mahesh Candolkar, along with key members of the organising committee and arbiters.

    With another successful edition completed, the tournament once again reinforced Goa’s growing presence in the chess circuit, fostering talent and encouraging young players to pursue excellence in the sport.

    Sports

    International Master Nitish Belurkar Clinches Durga Motors Rapid Chess Tournament 2026

    Tanisha Cardozo

    Nitish Belurkar emerged victorious at the Durga Motors Rapid Rated Chess Tournament–2026, organised by the Rotary Club of Porvorim at Dr KB Hedgewar High School in Bambolim. The two-day event concluded on Sunday with participation from 260 players, making it one of the largest rapid-rated chess tournaments held in Goa.

    Belurkar delivered an outstanding performance, scoring 8.5 points across nine rounds and remaining undefeated throughout the tournament. His consistent play secured him the overall championship title.

    The second position was claimed by Niraj Saripalli, who also scored 8 points but finished ahead on superior tie-break scores. Ritviz Parab secured the third position with 8 points.

    The annual tournament was organised in association with the Tiswadi Taluka Chess Association and the Goa Chess Association. A total cash prize pool of ₹2.5 lakh was distributed across open and age-group categories.

    In addition to the main prizes, winners were recognised in Under-7, Under-9, Under-11, Under-13, and Under-15 categories for both boys and girls. Veteran players aged above 45 years were also felicitated. To encourage emerging talent, cash prizes were awarded to the top five unrated players.

    The prize distribution ceremony was attended by Prateek Sapra, owner of Durga Motors and title sponsor, Dr Pramod Dubale, co-sponsor, Harsh Thakkar, President of Rotary Club of Porvorim, and Ashesh Keni, Secretary of Goa State Chess Association. The tournament proceedings were conducted by Chief Arbiter Umesh Naik.

    Speaking at the event, Harsh Thakkar stated that the Rotary Club of Porvorim continues to organise the tournament annually with the objective of promoting chess across Goa and nurturing young talent in the sport.

    With increasing participation numbers each year, the tournament reflects the growing popularity of chess in Goa and the strengthening of the state’s competitive chess ecosystem.