Media Release
Mangaluru, Aug 6: Christian Sports Association, organised chess tournament for the first time for the Christian community to invigorate children, youth & adults to play chess. The chess tournament was successfully held on Sunday, August 3 at Sahodaya Hall, St Aloysius (Deemed to be University).
The inaugural ceremony of the chess tournament was presided by Fr Melwin J Pinto S J - rector St Aloysius Institutions whereas Michael D’Souza - a prominent philanthropist, mentor & entrepreneur, Derik Pinto - founder of Derik Chess School & Viani Antonio D’Cunha – an international master-chess were the distinguished guests who graced the inaugural programme with their presence and messages.
The programme was formally inaugurated by lighting the lamp and later on symbolically inaugurated by the honorary guests by playing a few chess moves. Viani Antonio D’Cunha motivated the chess players stating that chess requires prolonged patience and perseverance to succeed and urged the children and youth to take up chess as a profession. Michael D’Souza commended the service of Christian Sports association in the field of sports and also assured his continued aid and support.
Fr Melwyn J Pinto SJ while delivering his president address hailed the efforts of Christian Sports Association and also wished all the chess enthusiasts to take up the chess game seriously and shine in their life in this sport.
The dignitary guests were felicitated with a memento by the office bearers of the CSA. Agnel D’Souza, president of Christian Sports association along with other members were present. Lawrence Crasta secretary of Christian Sports Association thanked everyone for their support in organising the tournament.
The tournament began with 154 participants from Dakshina Kannada and Udupi, registered in eight categories vis a vis under 13 boys, under 13 girls, under 17 boys, under 17 girls, open men, open women, above 50 men and above 50 women. All the matches were fluidly conducted by the chess arbiter Prasanna Rao and his team along with Arun Baptist, convenor facilitating the logistics of the tournament. Players in all categories displayed zest and vigour with their tactical chess moves throughout the matches.
The valedictory ceremony was held in the presence of eminent senior journalist and former KPSC member Dr Ronald Fernandes and illustrious chairman of MCC Bank Anil Lobo. All the declared winners in each of the category were acclaimed and were presented with certificates, trophies and cash prizes by the honourable guests.
The emcee of the event Rashmi Peres thanked everyone especially the parents of the chess competitors for encouraging and introducing their children into playing chess in this digital era. The valedictory function ended with an assurance and commitment from Christian Sports Association to organise similar events in different discipline of sports to garner sports talent in the community.