Hut Bay, Jan 11: The Little Andaman Open Chess Tournament was successfully concluded yesterday evening at the scenic Chidambaram Park Hut Bay, marking a significant milestone in the promotion of chess in the Little Andaman. Organized by the Directorate of Education, Andaman & Nicobar Administration, with the support of the Little Andaman Educational Zone and PRIs, Little Andaman, the tournament witnessed enthusiastic participation and an overwhelming response from chess players across Little Andaman.
Conducted in an open park area along the beach under the lights, the tournament offered participants a unique and refreshing playing experience. The serene coastal setting created an excellent atmosphere, seamlessly blending competitive spirit with the natural beauty of the surroundings. Notably, this event was the first of its kind in Little Andaman, bringing the Chidambaram Park alive with intense concentration, strategic battles, and excellent sportsmanship.
Shri. S Parmanathan, Pramukh, Panchayat Samiti, Little Andaman, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, while Shri K. Rudhramoorthy, Pradhan, Hut Bay, attended as the Guest of Honour. The tournament was formally inaugurated by the Chief Guest made the ceremonial first move against Shri Prabhash Roy, Zonal Officer, Little Andaman Educational Zone.
After five intense and closely contested rounds, Shri Manoj Kumar Das secured first place on better tie-breaks over Ashwin, who also scored five points and finished second. Shri Dhanraj claimed the third position in the Open category.
In the Students’ Category, Nishtha Malakar, secured the first position, followed by Rushik Kumar B in second place and Aprup Minj in third place.
The winners were felicitated with trophies by the Pramukh and the Zonal Officer, bringing the event to a dignified close.