The week-long championship is being organized by the Sikkim Chess Association [SCA] in collaboration with AICF and co-sponsored by SDF Bhawan Trust along with the Roads and Bridges Department.
In his inaugural address, Mr Bhutia stated that chess is a great mental activity that helps develop the mind.
Sports and games help children and youth to keep away from anti-social activities and negativity and leads them towards a positive and productive path, he added.
The Secretary also appreciated the involvement of different age groups from the very young to the old in the championship.
Chief Arbiter, Dharmendra Kumar Singh, congratulated the SCA for bringing the sport to such a level in the state within a couple of years of its formation. He also appreciated the good number of participants from the state in the championship.
SCA president, HS Sharma mentioned that some years back chess was popular within a small group of people in the state as a hobby but with the formation of SCA it has provided a platform for chess players to play at a competitive level.
He informed that SCA conducts state-level tournaments and sends teams for regional and national level tournaments. It is a proud moment for the association to host this national-level tournament in the state in a short span since it came into being, he stated.
Mr Sharma mentioned that to promote chess in the North-East region, the AICF has also given priority through different mediums to promote chess in the region and to discover talented players from the region.
Earlier, SCA general secretary, Mahendra Dhakal, who is also the International Arbiter, presented the welcome address. The inaugural function was followed by the commencement of the games.
A total of 160 participants from North-Eastern states are participating in the championship which will follow the Swiss-League system.
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