Puri: The first edition of the Sabuta Nijog Estate Chess Battle was successfully organised at Chakratirtha Temple on Chakratirtha Road in Puri on October 23 and 24. Organised by the Shree Jagannath Temple Panchtirtha Sevayat Sabuta Nijog Estate, the two-day chess tournament concluded with Shubham Rath emerging as the champion, while Sahil Panda finished as the runner-up.
The tournament featured 16 players competing for the title. The league matches and quarter-finals were held on the evening of October 23, followed by the semi-finals and final on October 24. The competition provided a platform for chess enthusiasts to showcase their strategic thinking, concentration and skills.
Puri District Collector Divyajyoti Parida attended the semi-finals and final as the chief guest and encouraged the participating players. The Commissioner of Puri Municipal Corporation was also present on the occasion, motivating the players and supporting the sporting initiative.
At the conclusion of the tournament, the winners and all participating players were felicitated by the organisers, including Santosh Kumar Pushpalak and Sahil Panda, along with the sponsors and senior members of the Nijog.
The initiative aimed to promote chess and encourage greater participation in the game. Chess helps develop concentration, patience, analytical thinking and strategic decision-making, making it a valuable activity for young people.
The successful completion of the inaugural edition marks an encouraging step towards promoting chess in Puri and providing local players with opportunities to demonstrate their talent. The organisers’ efforts to bring players together through a competitive sporting event were an important part of the initiative.
Shubham Rath’s victory and Sahil Panda’s runner-up finish brought the first season to a close, with all participants receiving recognition for their involvement in the tournament.
