The land where everyone loves chess - Tura, Meghalaya
Being a chess journalist, it gives me the unique opportunity to meet and interact with a wide range of chess enthusiasts and promoters from all corners of the world. From top professional organizers who have everything planned and sorted to the very last detail to the passionate ones who are filled with the vitality of the game and can arrange anything and everything on the spot. While everyone has their unique methods and practices, it is a joy to work with each and everyone and enjoy the process and needless to say, learn a lot. I, Aditya Sur Roy from ChessBase India visited Tura in Meghalaya where I met some amazing people who play chess. In this article, I share my experience of my trip to the far northeastern part of the country.
On the 28th of March, I traveled all the way to Tura, a charming and quiet town in the state of Meghalaya adorned by the hospitality of its people and raised around the West Garo Hills.
Being a bong, the northeast always holds a special place for me and I have traveled to Meghalaya before but this was the first time I was traveling to this part of the state. After a three-hour flight to Guwahati from Hyderabad, it took another five hours to reach Tura. Once I reached there, I met the members of the Garo Hills Chess Association(GHCA) and some of the players who were having a great time at the chess booth of the National Science Day Celebration event organized by the State Council of Science Technology and Environment, Government of Meghalaya.
Just a few minutes into our conversation, as we were talking about the chess scene, players and organizers, I was amazed to know how so many people are working towards the growth and development of chess and was glad to meet many enthusiasts who visited the booth and played some chess.
While we were brainstorming ideas of how we can grow the game all of a sudden a plan came up to organize a small blitz tournament and I will be happy to cover it and get a chance to meet and interact with more local players. And in no time everything was decided and from our side, we promised to give a Gukesh DVD - Attack like a Super Grandmaster to the champion.
On the afternoon of the 29th, the players started to gather at the D. C Park which had a dedicated chess arena built by IAS Swapnil Tembe. It was heartwarming to see all the players and the organizers got together to arrange everything from bringing in tables and arranging the boards and start the tournament.
We saw twenty-four chess enthusiasts play the fun tournament but with high energy and competitive spirits. As the event progressed, we saw many people crossing by taking a moment to stand for some time and enjoy the games. While we saw youngsters on the board, it was amazing to see some veterans flexing their skills.
After seven intense rounds, local star A Sangma clinched the tournament winning the Gukesh DVD - Attack like a Super Grandmaster to the champion and a cash prize of Rs.1,000. There was an intense battle for the 2nd and the 3rd position. Pringprang Ch Marak and Diego Ch Mara finished second and third and won cash prizes of Rs. 500 and Rs. 300 respectively.
It was a fun-filled event and we enjoyed it a lot. We wish all the participants all the very best and hope more players join in every tournament.
Checkout the Facebook album here for more photos - Chess At Garo Hills