Team Herald
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PANJIM: In a landmark celebration of inclusivity and competitive spirit, Goa is set to host the 24th World IPCA (International Physically Disabled Chess Association) Individual Chess Championship 2025, from July 21 to 31, at the International Centre Goa, Dona Paula.
The tournament is expected to bring together over 100 elite competitors from 20 plus countries, including Russia, Israel, Poland, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, Germany, South Africa, UAE, Sri Lanka, and several others. Notable international participants include IM Gurbanov Andrei (Israel), FM Molenda Marcin (Poland), FM Severino Sander (Philippines), IM Obodchuk Andrei (FIDE), FM Vit Vaclav Valenta (Czech Republic), as well as India’s rising stars like CM Samarth Rao and FM Venkata Krishna Karthick, the reigning Asian Para Champion.
The inclusivity extends across men, women, juniors and girls with an aggregate team trophy awarded to the top three federations based on medal tallies prioritised by gold, silver and bronze counts. The tournament offers a total prize fund of USD 15,000.
Fresh off his unbeaten seven point performance at the 5th National Chess Championship for specially-abled players in June, where he secured runner up status, CM Samarth J Rao has earned selection to represent India in Goa. His consistent excellence, national titles in 2022 and 2024 adds a compelling narrative to the event.
Minister for Social Welfare Subhash Phal Dessai, who is chairman of the organising committee, along with senior officials from the Department and State Commission and executive team of GCAPD and CFPD and IA Alon Shulman (Chief Arbiter) are steering the event’s execution.
Goa Purple transcends chess to symbolise empowerment and ability. Positioned as part of Goa’s ‘Purple Fest’, the championship dovetails with the State’s mission to empower persons with disabilities through inclusive platforms. Organisers have described the event as a “unifying and empowering force”, championing accessible global sporting excellence.
This highly anticipated event is jointly organised by the Department for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Government of Goa; State Commission for Persons with Disabilities, the Goa Chess Association for Persons with Disabilities (GCAPD), and the Chess Federation for Physically Disabled (CFPD) under the national umbrella of the All-India Chess Federation (AICF), with key support from FIDE, the Asian Chess Federation, and Sports Authority of India.
Chess enthusiasts, supporters and families are warmly invited to attend and witness this pioneering event. Let’s celebrate resilience, intellect and sport under Goan skies this July - where every move is a step towards empowerment.