Officials with winners of 22nd Nagaland State FIDE Rating Chess Championship.
Our Correspondent
Kohima | July 18
The three-day long 22nd Nagaland State FIDE Rating Chess Championship 2026 concluded at Nagaland Olympic Association (NOA) office complex, Kohima on July 18.
This State championship, conducted for first time as a FIDE-rated tournament in compliance with the FIDE Laws of Chess, was organized by Nagaland Chess Association (NCA) under the aegis of All India Chess Federation (AICF).
In the Open Category, Kevilekho Zumvu emerged as the champion and awarded with a cash prize of Rs 50,000. Salhuto Nyekha bagged second position and received a cash prize of Rs 30,000. Third place winner Khrielie Sano have been awarded with Rs 20,000.
Melesayi, Meghaho Awomi, Heilamgumbe Haikuibe, Bovito, Kughaho Kiho, Khoveto Vero and Er. Vipulhou Lhoungu stood 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th position respectively.
The top four winner in Open category will be representing Nagaland state at the forthcoming 63rd National Senior Chess Championship (Open) 2026 at Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh from December 28, 2026 to January 7, 2027.
In Under 11 Category, Tezeve Doulo from Northfield School Kohima bagged the 1st position while Otsi Tunyi from Northfield School Kohima, Apishe Kiba from St Mary HSS, Pudumpukhuri, Dimapur, Zhasazo Nagi from Minister’s Hill Baptist HSS Kohima and Damian Lyngdoh from G. Rio School Kohima stood, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th position respectively.
In Under 15 category, Jitihto Nyekha from North Town HSS Chümoukedima bagged the first position.
Vesho Doulo from Northfield School Kohima, Hielhoukho Semou from Northfield School Kohima, Khrieto Terhuja from Little Star HSS Dimapur and Ethungthung Odyuo stood 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th position respectively.
In Best Female category, Choli Tunyi from Northfield, Kohima bagged the champion title while Aloino Kiba and Lina Kiba, both from St Mary HSS, Pudumpukhuri, Dimapur stood 2nd and 3rd position respectively.
In Unrated category, Atoka H. Wotsa bagged the 1st position while Toivi Yepthomi, Neikehiezo Zinyu, Viseyie Yano and Mutuzo Lohe stood 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th position respectively.
K Sekhamo has been adjudged as the Best Senior (60 years and above) player while Seluokuo Samuel Rame from Living Tree School Kohima has been acknowledged as the youngest player.
The winners in all categories have been awarded with cash prize alongwith trophy and certificate.
Helie Rupreo, former President NCA, K. Sekhamo, former president NCA and Dr Theyiesinuo Keditsu, Assistant Professor, Department of English, Kohima College, Kohima handed over prize to the winners.
Helie Rupreo informed that Nagaland will be hosting North East Chess Championship 2026 at Dimapur from December 15 to 19, 2026.
The prize distribution was led by Vekukho Soho, Chief Arbiter and Honorary Secretary of the NCA.
James Ruokuoselhou and Rokozono Nagi also assisted the championship as arbiter.
The prize distribution programme was compered by Aphre-e Nagi while vote of thanks was proposed by Mengise Haikam, Deputy Chief Arbiter and Joint Secretary NCA. Altogether, 75 participants joined the tournament.
