NewKerala.com

Key Points

The 24th IPCA World Chess Championship concluded in Goa with Armenia and Russia winning the Men’s and Women’s categories respectively. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant honored the winners and lauded their resilience. Over 100 players from 20+ nations competed, including India’s rising stars. The event highlighted inclusivity with medals awarded across multiple categories.

Key Points: Armenia and Russia Win Top Honors at IPCA Chess Championship in Goa

  • Armenia wins Men’s category at IPCA Chess Championship
  • Russia tops Women’s division with India in third
  • Over 100 players from 20+ countries compete
  • Goa CM Sawant praises participants’ determination
2 min read

24th IPCA World Chess Championship wraps up with global participation in Goa

Armenia and Russia dominate the 24th IPCA World Chess Championship in Goa, with India securing a podium finish in the Women’s category.

"“It is only because of my love and respect for them that I made time to attend this special ceremony, even during the Assembly session.” – CM Pramod Sawant"

Panaji, July 30

The 24 World IPCA Individual Chess Championship 2025 concluded successfully in Goa, bringing together talented players with disabilities from across the globe. The event was jointly organised by the Department for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, the State Commission for Persons with Disabilities, and the Organising Committee of the 24th IPCA World Chess Championship.

Chief Minister Pramod Sawant personally awarded the top three winners in the Men’s, Women’s, and Wheelchair categories with gold, silver, and bronze medals. In the Men’s category, Armenia claimed the first position, followed by Poland and Tajikistan. In the Women’s category, Russia secured the top spot, with Poland in second and India proudly in third.

Speaking at the event, Sawant congratulated all participants and praised their courage and determination. He said, “It is only because of my love and respect for them that I made time to attend this special ceremony, even during the Assembly session.” He also highlighted the significance of the Purple Festival, which showcases and celebrates the abilities of persons with disabilities across various fields.

The event concluded on a high note with warm applause for all participants. Among the dignitaries present were Minister Subhash Phaldesai, State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities Guruprasad Pawaskar, and senior officials from the organising departments, marking a proud moment for inclusive sports in Goa.

The tournament brought together over 100 elite competitors from more than 20 countries, including Russia, Israel, Poland, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, Germany, South Africa, the UAE, Sri Lanka, and several others. Notable international participants included IM Gurbanov Andrei (Israel), FM Molenda Marcin (Poland), FM Severino Sander (Philippines), IM Obodchuk Andrei (FIDE), FM Vit Vaclav Valenta (Czech Republic), as well as India’s rising stars like CM Samarth Rao and FM Venkata Krishna Karthick, the reigning Asian Para Champion.

The inclusivity extended across men, women, juniors, and girls, with an aggregate team trophy awarded to the top three federations based on medal tallies prioritised by gold, silver, and bronze counts. The tournament offers a total prize fund of USD 15,000.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
While the event was well-organized, I wish our Indian contingent had performed better. We need more training facilities and coaches specialized in para chess. Government should allocate more funds for disabled athletes.
A
Arjun K
Chess is truly a game that transcends physical limitations. Hats off to all participants! The Purple Festival initiative is brilliant - shows that disability is just a different ability. More power to these champions!
S
Sarah B
As an expat living in Goa, I was fortunate to attend some matches. The sportsmanship and determination on display was inspiring! India should be proud to host such international events showcasing inclusivity.
V
Vikram M
Good to see CM Sawant taking time out from Assembly session for this. But wish our politicians showed same commitment to improving infrastructure for disabled citizens throughout the year, not just during events.
K
Kavya N
The women's category results are encouraging! More girls should take up chess - it's a great equalizer. Maybe schools can introduce special chess programs for children with disabilities? ♟️
M
Michael C
Impressive international participation! Chess diplomacy at its best - bringing together players from countries with political tensions. Sports truly unites people beyond borders.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50