Tura, June 19: The quiet concentration of chess players, the soft click of pieces moving across boards and the anticipation of earning a place at the state championship marked the opening of the District Level Selection Chess Tournament 2026 at Don Bosco Higher Secondary School, Rongkhon, on Friday.
Organised by the Garo Hills Chess Association (GHCA), the two-day tournament has brought together players from across the region, ranging from children barely tall enough to see over a chessboard to veterans who have spent decades mastering the game.
Among the participants is six-year-old Besorah Ch. Momin, the youngest player in the competition, while 12-year-old Aysara Ringmitelachi Ch. Momin is also among the promising young talents hoping to make a mark. At the other end of the spectrum are players above 60 years of age, underlining the game’s appeal across generations in Garo Hills.
The tournament opened with a welcome address by GHCA Secretary Tengrang R. Sangma, who highlighted the role of chess in developing critical thinking, discipline and sportsmanship among young players.
Former GHCA Secretary Francis A. Sangma formally inaugurated the event by making the ceremonial first move on the chessboard, signalling the start of what promises to be an intense battle of strategy and patience.
Before the competition got underway, Chief Arbiter Raju Upadhaya briefed participants on the rules and regulations and stressed the importance of fair play and adherence to the laws of chess laid down by the International Chess Federation (FIDE).
A total of seven rounds will be played over June 19 and 20 under the Swiss System format, with the player securing the highest points emerging as the tournament champion.
Beyond the trophies and prize money at stake, the tournament carries added significance as it will determine Garo Hills’ representation at the Meghalaya State Chess Championship. The top 12 performers will earn selection to represent the three districts of Garo Hills at the state-level competition. Cash prizes and trophies will also be awarded to the winners.
With enthusiastic participation from players across age groups and backgrounds, the tournament is expected to showcase some of the finest emerging and experienced chess talent from the region while further strengthening the growing chess culture in Garo Hills.
Also Read: Mental health, HIV awareness drive reaches 183 at Garo Hills University
Also Watch
Find latest news from every corner of Northeast India at hubnetwork.in, your online source for breaking news, video coverage.
Also, Follow us on
Twitter-twitter.com/nemediahub
Youtube channel- www.youtube.com/@NortheastMediaHub2020
Instagram- www.instagram.com/ne_media_hub
Download our app from playstore – Northeast Media Hub
