Shillong, July 21 : The Meghalaya Chess Association (MCA) marked International Chess Day on July 20 with a grand celebration at the Youth Hostel, Shillong. The event was graced by the presence of Chief Guest Swapnil Tembe (IAS), Director of School Education & Literacy.
A highlight of the day was the inaugural Meghalaya State Senior (above 50 years) Chess Championship. The winners in the Open Category were Ardhendu Sekhar Mandal (EKHDCA), Jefferson V Lyngdoh (EKHDCA), Tenderly Dhar (JHDCA), Bonney J. Kharbani (WKHDCA), and Paiadaohi Lhuid (JHDCA). In the Above 60 years category, Readystar Nongsiej (JHDCA) and D. S. Shongwan (EKHDCA) emerged victorious.
The MCA also took the opportunity to felicitate two outstanding players: Master Ras Lal Upadhaya, who secured the 1st position in the 1400-1550 Classical Rating Category, and Master Advitiya A G, who clinched the 2nd position in the Under-8 Classical Rating Category.
Four distinguished arbiters were honored for their contributions: Th. Biju Singh (International Arbiter), Amar Bhandari (FIDE Arbiter), Miss Sumar Selon Ki Lamin Khonglah (Senior National Arbiter), and Miss Preety Karki Thapa (Senior National Arbiter).
