Tura, June 20: After two days of intense competition that saw some of the sharpest minds in Garo Hills patiently plot moves and calculate possibilities across 64 black-and-white squares, the region has selected its 12-member team for the upcoming Meghalaya State Chess Championship.
The District Level Selection Chess Tournament 2026, organised by the Garo Hills Chess Association (GHCA), concluded on Saturday at Don Bosco Higher Secondary School, Rongkhon in Tura, with players from East, North and West Garo Hills battling with their wits for a coveted place in the Garo Hills’ squad.
For many participants, the tournament was more than just a competition. It was a gateway to larger ambitions, the chance to represent the Garo Hills at the state level and, perhaps one day, compete on the national stage.
Despite attracting a modest participation of around 50 players due to overlapping school examination schedules, the event highlighted the growing popularity of chess across the region. Perhaps the most striking aspect of the tournament was its remarkable diversity.
Seated across the boards were competitors separated by nearly six decades in age. The youngest participant was Besorah Ch. Momin, a six-year-old girl, who matched wits alongside seasoned players aged over 65, demonstrating how chess continues to bridge generations and break conventional barriers.
Over seven rounds played under the Swiss League format with a time control of 45 minutes plus a 10-second increment per move, players tested not only their tactical ability but also their concentration and resilience.
Among the standout performers was 20-year-old FIDE-rated player Ras Lal Upadhyay, who currently holds a FIDE rating of approximately 1549.
A player known for his balanced tactical and positional style, Upadhyay traces his love for the game back to his childhood when his father first introduced him to chess. He credits the Garo Hills Chess Association for helping him sharpen his skills and continue his development.
Unlike many young players drawn to faster formats, Upadhyay remains a firm believer in classical chess. “In Blitz and Rapid, we are not able to think that much, and our skills won’t improve much. I think Classical will be the best choice if someone wants to improve,” he said.
The young player also expressed optimism about the future of chess in Meghalaya, believing that the state has the potential to produce its first Grandmaster, a dream he hopes to achieve himself.
That confidence is shared by tournament organisers.
Silkam A. Sangma, Media and Publicity Secretary of GHCA, said the association is witnessing an encouraging rise in talent across Garo Hills. “We do believe that we’ll be producing a titled player very, very soon,” he said, adding that consistent training, access to quality coaching and regular competition are key to unlocking the region’s potential.
Beyond organising tournaments, the association has been working to dismantle the long-held perception that chess is a sport reserved for the privileged.
GHCA regularly hosts Sunday chess meets at DC Park in Tura and has expanded its outreach through rural training camps, including a recent workshop in Daribokgre in East Garo Hills, to ensure the game remains accessible to enthusiasts from all backgrounds.
As the final pieces were moved and scores tallied, Barbith M. Sangma emerged as the tournament champion, finishing ahead of Pringprang Ch. Marak in second place and Arano Rikrim Ch. Momin in third.
These are the 12 members of the Garo Hills Chess Team:
- Barbith M. Sangma
- Pringprang Ch. Marak
- Arano Rikrim Ch. Momin
- Nityananda Hajong,
- Predinath R. Sangma,
- Atchiso Ch. Momin,
- Sachin Kumar,
- Marcosh N. Marak,
- Jaksram A. Sangma,
- Wilseng G. Marak,
- Lalaobirth M. Sangma, and
- Charming C. Marak.
