Gangtok, Feb. 21, 2011
Five day long “3rd Open Chess Tournament 2011” kicks started here at Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF), Bhawan Hall, Indira bye-pass on 21st February in Gangtok. The tournament is organized by SDF, Bhawan Trust. A total of 108 participants from Sikkim, Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Kurseong including Nepal, Assam, and Bihar have taken part in the tournament.

Interestingly the renowned Asiad chess player Monalisa Khambu hailing from Nepal has also taken part in this event. Likewise, Master Rupesh Kumar Jaiswal from Nepal who got 12th position in the World under-13 Chess Tournament and is also the Assam state champion has also participated in this tournament. The current champion of North Eastern Chess Tournament in girl’s category, Maha Sweta is also one of the participant of the tournament.

Chief Guest of the inaugural function was Minister UDHD, DB Thapa. In his inaugural address he expressed his happiness over the efforts made by the SDF, Bhawan Trust in making the chess tournament a grand success in the State. Mr. Thapa stated that the step taken by SDF Bhawan trust is very positive in hunting the budding chess players of Sikkim state. It is good that the SDF Bhawan trust is also discharging its social responsibilities, for overall development of the state, but there is a need of support and contribution from the people at large in making such program a success, Minister added.

The trust was established in the year 2004 to work on various activities like, cultural, sports, social and educational and this is the 3rd time where the trust has conducted the tournament. During the inaugural function the General Secretary of Sikkim Chess Association cum International Arbiter, Mahendra Dhakal and Kabita Subba of SDF Bhawan Trust were also present. A total of Rs.1.27 Lakhs will be distributed amongst the participants as cash prize.

(Courtesy: Sikkim Mail)

 

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