Gangtok– The Northeast Team Chess Championship 2024 commenced at Janata Bhawan, Gangtok, with much enthusiasm, marking a significant event for chess enthusiasts across the region.
Organized by the Sikkim Chess Association, the championship was inaugurated by Raju Basnet, Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs, who attended the ceremony as the chief guest.
Basnet, accompanied by prominent figures such as Kuber Bhandari, President of the Sikkim Olympic Association, Additional Director of Sports and Youth Affairs Dr. RB Biswakarma, and Sikkim Chess Association General Secretary Mahendra Dhakal, praised the initiative in his inaugural speech.
He emphasized the importance of such events in fostering unity and promoting the development of sports, particularly chess, among the youth in the Northeast.
“This championship is not just a competition; it’s an opportunity to strengthen the bonds between the Northeastern states while encouraging strategic thinking and excellence in sports,” Basnet remarked. He also highlighted various efforts by the state government aimed at enhancing sports infrastructure and nurturing talent in Sikkim.
The championship, a first of its kind to be held in Sikkim, has attracted seven teams from various Northeastern states.
Sikkim itself has fielded two teams for the competition, which will be played in a Round Robin League format. The championship aims to provide a platform for players to showcase their skills and compete at a high level.
The Northeast Team Chess Championship will continue until October 23, when the final matches will determine the top teams in the region.
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