Ranchi’s Ansh Kumar wins Rapid Chess Competition in Seraikela

Debanjan Sinha from Jamshedpur crowned runner-up

Jamshedpur: The Khelo Chess Academy, under the patronage of the Seraikela Kharswan District Chess Association, concluded a one-day state-level “Sunday Night Rapid Chess Competition” on April 7. A total of 189 participants from various districts across the state showcased their skills in this exciting event. The competition featured a total cash prize of Rs 51,000, awarded to the top 20 players, along with trophies for the top 2 players in both boys and girls categories across different age groups.

Additionally, citation certificates were presented to all participants by the Academy.

The tournament commenced with an inauguration ceremony led by District Chess Association President Manoj Kumar and Jharkhand Chess Association Vice President Vijay Kumar Singh. Following nine rounds of intense gameplay, Ansh Kumar from Ranchi emerged victorious, securing 8 points and claiming the winner’s title. Ansh Kumar was honored with a cash prize of Rs 7500 and the winner’s trophy. Debanjan Sinha from East Singhbhum secured the second position with 7.5 points, earning a cash prize of Rs 5100, while Basant Khandelwal from West Singhbhum secured the third position with the same score and received a cash prize of Rs 3500.

In the various age group categories, the winners were- U-8 Boys: First place went to Rudra Neel Roy, followed by Vivaan Basak in second place, U-08 Girls: Naira Aditya secured the first position, followed by T Niharika in second place, U-10 Boys: Mayan Jha clinched the first position, with Purab Gandhi securing the second position, U-10 Girls: Arpita Kumari emerged as the winner, followed by Aditi Pathak in second place, U-12 Boys: Rishabh Kumar claimed the first position, with Arjit Ghosh securing the second position, U-12 Girls: Chandni Alda emerged victorious, followed by Monali Biswa in second place, U-14 Boys: Swastik Banerjee secured the first position, with Sankalp Kumar in second place, U-16 Boys: Harsh Kumar Jha claimed the first position, with Avnish Pandey securing the second position, U-16 Girls: Sunidhi Singh emerged as the winner, followed by Samriddhi Rathod in second place.

Special awards were also presented, with Abhisar Mishra receiving the title of Best Unrated Player and 67-year-old Narendra Nath Pandey being honored as the Best Veteran Player.

The award distribution ceremony was graced by social worker Nishant Solanki as the chief guest, with Shailendra Kumar, Narendra Tiwary, and Jayant Bhuyan as special guests. The event was expertly conducted by District Chess Association Secretary Ajay Kumar, with key roles played by Tournament Director Sushma Singh, Chief Arbiter Deepak Kumar, Deputy Chief Arbiter Vishal Kumar Meenj, and other officials.