3rd Open Chess Tournament attracts 108 contestants

SAGAR CHHETRI
GANGTOK, 21 Feb: The third edition of the Open Chess Tournament 2011, organised by the Sikkim Democratic Front Bhawan Trust, unveiled as a grand competition today with an awe-inspiring lineup of 108 contestants. The tournament was inaugurated by UD&HD Minister, DB Thapa at the SDF headquarters here.
This year, the tournament has the world-ranking, Asiad and national-ranked players from outside the state along with the local players from different parts of Sikkim.
In total, 108 participants are taking part in this five-day tournament, which has the technical support of Sikkim Chess Association.
18-year-old Asiad player, Monalisa Khambu and 12th in U-13 World Ranking, Rupesh Kumar Jaiswal, both from Nepal are also taking part in the tournament along with the current Assam state and North East champion, 15-year-old, Maha Sweta.
Likewise, the tournament also has the participants from Kalimpong, Darjeeling and Kurseong apart from the participants from different parts of Sikkim.
The tournament has the International Arbiter from Sikkim, Mahendra Dhakal as the Arbiter.

In his inaugural address, the Minister appreciated the initiative of the SDF Bhawan Trust in organizing such activities not only to promote the game but also to engage the young in productive activities.
Mr Thapa stressed that the SDF party has been committed to its social responsibilities for the overall development of the state and appealed to participation from the people side is to make Sikkim a model state.
In his welcome address, general secretary SDF Bhawan Trust, SK Pradhan informed that the trust was established in year 2004 with various objectives for the development of the state.
He added that to work on cultural, social, education and sports fields are the parts of the various objectives of the trust and in this regard the trust has been organizing the chess tournament since 3 years.
The inaugural function was also addressed by a member of the trust, Kabita Subba and Mahendra Dhakal.
The tournament carries a total prize money of Rs 1.27 lakhs and will conclude on 25 February.