CFAL and ELC, in collaboration with Derik’s Chess School, organized anexciting Chess Fiesta at the ELC Campus on 9th February. The event was inaugurated by the Deputy Commissioner of Dakshina Kannada, Mr.Mullai Muhilan, in the presence of Corporator Mr. Shashidhar Hegde,
along with the Founders of Derik’s Chess School, Mr. Derik Pinto and Mr.Prasanna Rao. The tournament witnessed enthusiastic participation fromparents and chess enthusiasts. Deccan Herald and Mangalore Mere Jaanpartnered in making this contest a grand success.
A total of 265 participants from diverse age groups and backgrounds
competed in the day-long tournament, showcasing immense talent and
passion for the game. The overwhelming response underscored the
region’s deep-rooted interest in chess and the growing popularity of such
competitive platforms.
Mr. Mullai Muhilan, in his inaugural address, commended the
collaborative efforts of CFAL, ELC, and Derik’s Chess School in promoting
chess at the grassroots level. He highlighted that platforms like the Chess
Fiesta not only nurture budding talent but also contribute significantly to
fostering strategic thinking, discipline, and sportsmanship among the
youth.
Vijay Moras, Trustee, encouraged students to use their problem-solving and strategic planning skills. He reiterated how chess moves involve probability and patterns, helping to sharpen the mind.
Winners of the Chess Fiesta were honoured with Merit Certificates and attractive prizes, acknowledging their exceptional performances. All participants received Participation Certificates, recognizing their dedication and encouraging them to continue pursuing excellence in the sport. Mr. Nishanth D’Souza was declared the ‘Coastal Champion’ after
winning the Open Category.
The event concluded on a high note, with participants and organizers expressing their gratitude to all supporters for their valuable contribution in fostering a thriving chess culture in the region.
Winners’ List
| Coastal Champion | NISHANTH D’SOUZA |
| Best Veteran | Vinaya Prakash Ashirwad |
| Best Woman | Aadhya A Shetty |
| Under 8 Girls | |
| 1 | Varenya Shenoy |
| 2 | Aarna S Boloor |
| 3 | Chaandri Madhukiran |
| 4 | Shrutha Keerthi Shenoy Nitte |
| 5 | Kiyaara D Gowda |
| Under 8 Open | |
| 1 | Omkar Kamath |
| 2 | Devavrthan R |
| 3 | shrish Vaibhav Patil |
| 4 | Monish B |
| 5 | Avyukth Baglodi |
| Under 10 Girls | |
| 1 | Prashamsa N |
| 2 | Namasvi Poojary |
| 3 | Saanishka Shetty |
| 4 | Pranamya Somayaji |
| 5 | Manasvini P |
| Under 10 Open | |
| 1 | Agasthya Ram |
| 2 | Sohan Peyton Fernandes |
| 3 | Keyansh Gowda |
| 4 | Ahan Panicker |
| 5 | Bhavith Pradeep Shetty |
| Under 13 Girls | |
| 1 | Niharika K |
| 2 | Kiyara Praksh Sheka |
| 3 | Shreshtha Shree |
| 4 | Nidhishri |
| 5 | Rizelle Alida Dsouza |
| Under 13 Open | |
| 1 | Vinel Leon Dsouza |
| 2 | Evann Raphael Aranha |
| 3 | Vihaan Viraj |
| 4 | Arthur Arun Alex |
| 5 | Abdul Zameer |
| Under 16 Girls | |
| 1 | Arushi Severin Helen Dsilva |
| 2 | Lincia Jocelyn DSouza |
| 3 | Seona Dipcia Veigas |
| 4 | Sunidhi K |
| 5 | Zaara Khazi |
| Under 16 Open | |
| 1 | Praneeth H S |
| 2 | Shannon Ethan Fernandes |
| 3 | shreyas Madhusoodan |
| 4 | Namish R poojary |
| 5 | Arush Sachin |
| Open Category | |
| 1 | Nishanth Dsouza |
| 2 | Vihaan Shetty |
| 3 | Aarush Bhat |
| 4 | Anshul Panicker |
| 5 | Shreesha U A |
