SPORTS REPORTER
JAMMU: Ritwan Sauntra emerged state champion in senior group while Shivinder Chib bagged the junior title in the State Chess Championship, organised by All J and K Chess Association at Hotel Nek, here on Tuesday.
Second place in senior category went to Maxim Singh while Arushi Kotwal secured third and fourth position respectively. Similarly, in junior age group, Akashdeep remained runners-up. Third and fourth position went to Yaksh Chopra and Ritish Pathania respectively.
Nihida Gul won the junior girls title. She was followed by Bismah Afshan, Sanjukta Sobani and Rahilla Gul at second, third and fourth place respectively.
In veteran category, Mohd.Rafiq declared winner. Title for Best Woman participant was secured by Arushi Kotwal while Varsha Rani finished second.
Deewang Gupta was named youngest participant in boys section while Areeba Shabir bagged same prize in girls’ category.
In the valedictory function of the two-day competition, Divisional Sports Officer of the J&K State Sports Council, Rajan Sharma was chief guest while Sports Officer (Central), Nuzhat Ara was guest of honour.
Also present were president of the Association, Atul Kumar Gupta, general secretary, Ashiq Ahmad Kolu and vice president, Baldev Raj.
This six round competition was supervised by Ashiq Ahmad Kolu while Bindu Pathania was chief arbiter of the tournament.