Gangtok, 10 May, 2012:

A four-member Sikkim Chess Association [SCA] is all set to represent Sikkim in the National Challenger Chess Tournament to be held from 18 to 28 May at Tirupati in Andhra Pradesh.

The State team has the highest FIDE rated player from Sikkim, Rakesh Gurung [1796 FIDE Rating], Sushmita Lama, Jonah Lepcha and Rahul Gurung. The team will be accompanied by the SCA general secretary, Mahendra Dhakal as the team coach-cum-manager.

The team is scheduled to be leaving on 14 May for the tournament. The president, HS Sharma and members of SCA have extended their best wishes to the team.

Dhakal informed that the team members have been undergoing daily coaching camp and now are all set to participate in the tournament. He informed that the State team is taking part for the second time in this prestigious National tournament.

Dhakal stated that this time all the participants are students so it will be a great platform for them and it would help them to prepare themselves for other higher level tournaments. He mentioned that the tournament will have more than 50 International Masters and to play against them and even to watch their game would help the local players to build their confidence and to gain experience.

General secretary mentioned that the SCA has been sending teams to the regional and National tournaments to provide maximum exposure to the local players and to enhance their confidence.

Sikkim Mail

 

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