 08/12/2023 TO 10/12/2023: NATIONAL TEAM CHESS TOURNAMENT FOR THE BLIND AT SHRI NAVCHETAN ANDHJAN MANDAL

Ø 08/12/2023: OPENING CEREMONY

The National Team Chess Championship at Divyang Vidhya Vihar was a great success, with the support of Shri Navchetan Andhjan Mandal, Blind People's Association (India), All India Chess Federation for Blind, and Gujarat Chess Association for the Visually Challenged. The event was sponsored by Friends of Kera U.K. & Stride Climate Investments and was inaugurated in a small function attended by several esteemed guests.

General Secretary of our organization Mr. Laljibhai Prajapati, along with Mr. K K Jeshani, trustee of Wildson Mandir, London, and Mr. Pankajbhai Ahir, developers Mr. Kishorbhai Nardani, Mrs. Geetaben Nardani, and Mr. Pravinbhai Nardani of Friends of Kera UK were present at the event. Two international players and para Asian game bronze medal winners, Himanshi Rathi and Ashwin Makwana, were felicitated for their achievements with certificates and mementos.

Mr. Madan Bagayatkar, representative of All India Chess Federation for Blind, gave a brief introduction to the tournament, while Mr. Himanshu Sompura, Secretary of Shri Navchetan Andhjan Mandal, spoke about the organization's commitment to the field of disability. Mr. K K Jeshani and Mr. Kishorbhai Nardani also gave brief introductions to their respective organizations and appreciated the efforts of the organization.

The event was officially inaugurated by all the guests lighting the Diyas, marking the beginning of the national team chess championship in celebration of the International Day for Persons with Disabilities.

Ø 10/12/2023: PRIZE DISTRIBUTION CEREMONY

The National Team Chess Championship, organized by Shri Navchetan Andhjan Mandal, Blind People Association, All India Chess Federation of the Blind, and Gujarat Chess Association for the Visually Challenged, and sponsored by Friends of Kera UK and Stride Climate Investments, concluded today. The Gujarat “A” team, consisting of international player Ashwin Makwana, Himanshi Rathi, and two others, emerged as the winner of the championship. They were awarded a cash prize of ₹ 20,000, a champion trophy, certificate, and gold medals.

The team from Delhi secured the 2nd position and won a cash prize of ₹ 15,000, along with a trophy, silver medals, and certificates. Meanwhile, the team from Gujarat “B” clinched the 3rd position and received a cash prize of ₹ 10,000, a trophy, bronze medals, and certificates. The 4th and 5th ranked teams also received cash prizes of ₹ 8,000 and ₹ 7,000 respectively. Additionally, 12 individual players were awarded cash prizes of ₹ 2,000, ₹1,500, and ₹1,000 respectively.

All the winners were presented with gifts from Inner wheel Club of Bhuj Flamingo, while all the participants were given gifts from Friends of Kera UK. At the prize distribution and closing ceremony, the General Secretary of our organization, Mr. Laljibhai Prajapati, along with Vice-President District BJP Mr. Mukeshbhai Chande, Former District Panchayat President Mrs. Parulben Kara, Nayara Petrol Pump Mr. Dhanjibhai Kerasiya, representatives of Stride Climate Investments - Mr. Rajesh Mishra, Mr. Dinesh Vyas, and Mr. Sandipgiri honored all the players with their prizes and trophies.

Representatives of Friends of Kera UK - Mr. Kishorbhai Nardani, Mrs. Geetaben Nardani and Mr. Pravinbhai Hirani also awarded the winners with prizes and gifts. The Trustees of our organization - Mr. Himanshu Sompura (Secretary), Mr. Zinabhai Dabasiya (Treasurer), Mr. Damjibhai Oza, Chief Coordinator Mr. Dipakprasad Coordinator Rimaben Bhatiya & Rashmikant Patel, Principals Daksha Bhudia, Jalpaben Maru along with teachers Geetaben Goswami and Poonamben Rajbar were also present at the function.

Mr. Shankarbhai Prajapati along with Mr. Rashmikant Patel, Mr. Nayanbhai Jethi, Mr. Niravbhai Dake and Mr. Jagdishbhai Gusai arranged accommodation and lodging for 97 participants and other officials.