PANJIM: Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar and Sports Authority of Goa have expended their support towards the Goa Chess Association (GCA) which helped them to take a big leap towards their dream of hosting their 1st Goa International Open Grandmaster Chess Tournament from October 13, at Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Stadium, Taleigao.
After successfully supporting the World Junior Chess Championship in 2002, Chief Minister, has once again showed his gesture in promoting the masterminds in the State.
Speaking on the occasion, GCA President Nilesh Cabral informed, “It’s the first time Goa is hosting such a major chess championship and despite being such a small State, it has received a mammoth figure of 1,100 entries, which is truly great. The government has always supported and promoted various sports and this gesture will help the State chess fraternity to get a dream experience of their life.
“Besides SAG, we are also happy to tie up with Goa Tourism as this will help the sports of chess and also State to get on global platform. We will definitely try and make this as the best event in Goa,” added Nilesh, who also holds the charge of Minister of Power and Chairman of Goa Tourism Development Council.
Goa, a place known for the beaches, picturesque and scenic landscapes, will now witness one of India’s biggest chess events, for a span of eight days from October 13 to 20.
“We are pleased to announce that the government and Sports Authority of Goa have helped us in the major way to host the State’s 1st GM championship, which has indeed boosted our brand value and helped us attain more international chess players with ease. We at GCA would like to thank our dynamic chief minister and the power minister for making it all possible,” said GCA Secretary and Tournament Director Kishor Bandekar. “With the support of Goa Tourism we have managed to convince and get the best to participate in the State,” added Kishor, who also thanked the government and SAG for their support.
The State’s first grandmaster championship has received over 1,100 entries in all the three categories making it one of the biggest chess tournaments in India. The elite category has received 260 entries while the B and C Categories have over 900 participants. The tournament will also see that the participants will get free accommodations, travel and food during the tournament dates.
