Kohima, July 3: The three-day-long 21st Nagaland State Chess Championship commenced today at the Nagaland Olympic Association (NOA) Complex, Kohima.
The championship, featuring Open, Under-14, and Under-10 categories, was jointly declared open by Anato Zhimomi, Director of Ockter Services Pvt. Ltd., Dimapur, and Dr. Theyiesinuo Keditsu, poet, writer, lyricist, and educator.
Organised by the Nagaland Chess Association under the aegis of the All India Chess Federation and supported by Ockter Services Pvt. Ltd., this 21st edition will continue till July 5.
Altogether, 58 players are competing for the top honours and a total prize pool of Rs 1,01,000.
The championship is being officiated by FIDE Arbiter Vekukho Soho as Chief Arbiter, along with five Senior National Arbiters: Mengise Haikam (Deputy Chief Arbiter), Kiyaselie Mere, James Ruokuoselhou, Rokozono Nagi, and Mezhuvizo Nagi.
Earlier, the opening ceremony was chaired by NCA Vice President Mohokiya Apon, with the welcome address delivered by NCA Working President P. Khezhie.