Team Herald
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PONDA: The Ponda Taluka Chess Association honoured several local chess players for their outstanding performances at State and FIDE-rated chess tournaments, recently, at the Thrift Co-operative Association Hall.
Players Devesh Naik, Avani Sawaikar, Sarthak Naik, Avnish Borker, Riddhi Gaude, Swayam Sandesh Naik, Anish Naik, Mayank Kurtikar, Anvay Borkar, Amaira Borkar, and Aarav Naik were recognised for their achievements. The event was attended by Sagar Sakordekar, president of the association, who welcomed the guests, while Radha Sakordekar introduced the chief guest, Mukesh Thali, a writer and Sahitya Academy award winner.
The chief guest, Mukesh Thali, felicitated the players and praised their efforts, encouraging parents to motivate their children to participate in chess.
Other notable awards included Avani Sawaikar, Kaushik Pednekar, Riddhi Gaude, Mayank Kurtikar, Sarthak Naik, Sopan Desai, and Nishesh Gaude, who were honoured by the SRS Vedic Maths Academy for achieving FIDE ratings. Yash Upadhye was also recognised for his excellent performance in the Goa International Grandmaster Chess Tournament.
Radha Sakordekar compered while Sagar Sakordekar delivered the vote of thanks.