Panaji: A total of 100 elite chess players from more than 20 countries are expected to take part in the 24th World IPCA (International Physically Disabled Chess Association) Individual Chess Championship in Dona Paula from Monday.The tournament celebrates inclusivity and competitive spirit and has attracted players from Russia, Israel, Poland, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, Germany, South Africa, UAE, Sri Lanka, and othersPositioned 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.The tournament is jointly organised by the Department for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Govt of Goa, State Commission for Persons with Disabilities, Goa Chess Association for Persons with Disabilities, and the Chess Federation for Physically Disabled. Social welfare minister Subhash Phal Dessai is the chairman of the organising committee.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), besides India’s CM Samarth Rao and FM Venkata Krishna Karthick, the reigning Asian Para Champion.Rao was selected to represent India in Goa following his second-place finish at the 5th National Chess Championship for Specially Abled Players in June.Three best federations overall, by ranking medals collected in all categories among men, women, juniors and girls, will receive trophies. For ranking, the number of gold medals will be considered first, and if there is a tie, then the number of silver medals, and if there is still a tie, the number of bronze medals will be added.
