Hosted by The Village International School, the Central Kerala Sahodaya Inter-School Chess Tournament 2023 proved to be a spectacle of strategic brilliance and intense competition. Held on the 9th of December 2023, this event showcased exceptional talent and sportsmanship among students from 20 participating schools across various grade categories.
The tournament featured four categories to cater to the diverse skill levels and age groups of the participants:
1. Category 1: Grades 1, 2, 3, 4
2. Category 2: Grades 5, 6, 7
3. Category 3: Grades 8, 9, 10
4. Category 4: Grades 11 & 12
With nearly 300 participants displaying their chess prowess, Marygiri Public School, Koothattukulam, emerged victorious as the overall champions, securing an impressive 124.5 points. Maryland Public School, Kaloor, claimed the first runner-up position with 97 points, while Amritha Vidyalaya, Perumbavoor, secured the second runner-up spot with 84 points.
Category-wise Championship Results:
- Category 1:
- Championship: Marygiri Public School, Koothattukulam
- First Runner-up: Amritha Vidyalaya, Perumbavoor
- Second Runner-up: Maryland Public School, Kaloor
- Category 2:
- Championship: Maryland Public School, Kaloor
- First Runner-up: Marygiri Public School, Koothattukulam
- Second Runner-up: Amritha Vidyalaya, Perumbavoor
- Category 3:
- Championship: Marygiri Public School, Koothattukulam
- First Runner-up: Maryland Public School, Kaloor
- Second Runner-up: St. Ephrem Mulamthuruthy
- Category 4:
- Championship: Marygiri Public School, Koothattukulam
- First Runner-up: St. Thomas Public School, Perumbavoor
- Second Runner-up: St. Ephrem School, Mulamthuruthy
The tournament also celebrated individual brilliance:
Category 1: Jones George of Marygiri Public School emerged as the first-place winner, followed by Asher Binoj from Amritha Vidyalaya securing second place, and Aby Alfonz Albin from CMI Public School, Chalakkudy, securing third place.
- Category 2: Emmanuel Jaison from Rogationist Academy claimed the first spot, with Mathai Bince and Yedhukrishnan from Vimalagiri Public School, Kothamangalam, securing second and third positions, respectively.
Category 3: Richard Jaimin of Maryland Public School, Kaloor, grabbed the first place, followed by Aaron Kavungal from CMI Public School, Chalakkudy, in second place, and Serah Jo Sam from Vimalagiri Public School, Kothamangalam, securing third place.
Category 4: Viswajith P V from Vimalagiri Public School, Kothamangalam, secured the first place, followed by Joyel Joseph from St. Ephrem School, Mulamthuruthy, in second place, and Govind Pushparajan V from Marygiri Public School securing third place.
The success of this tournament wouldn't have been possible without the continuous support and guidance of Fr. Mathew Kareethara CMI, President, and Mr. Johnson Mathew, Secretary of Central Kerala Sahodaya. Their leadership played a pivotal role in shaping the tournament's success.
Dr. P. Asokan from Sree Vivekananda Memorial Public School, Trivandrum, provided invaluable assistance in arranging the arbiters and offering timely guidance, ensuring the tournament's smooth conduct.
The Central Kerala Sahodaya Inter-School Chess Tournament 2023 was governed by a proficient panel of arbiters, ensuring fair play and maintaining standards throughout the event. Led by Chief Arbiter Mr. Ameer P S and Deputy Arbiter Mr.Kunjumon P V, both FIDE Arbiters, the team also included Mr. Vishnu S L, a Senior National Arbiter, and Mr. Augustine, serving as an Arbiter. Their collective expertise and dedication ensured a smooth and impartial tournament experience for all participants.
Mr. Anilkumar M, Vice Principal, coordinated the event flawlessly, with the unwavering support of Zacharias Jacob, Principal of the host school.
The Central Kerala Sahodaya Inter-School Chess Tournament 2023 not only showcased exceptional chess skills but also fostered camaraderie and sportsmanship among the participating students, making it a memorable and cherished event for all involved.