Pics: Stanly Bantwal

Media Release

Mangaluru, Aug 3: Christian Sports Association (R), Mangaluru, successfully organised a chess tournament for members of the Christian community on Sunday August 2, at the St Aloysius High School Hall, Kodialbail.

The inaugural ceremony commenced with a prayer led by Wilson Martis, followed by a welcome address by Agnel D'Souza, president of the association.

The ceremony was graced by Walter Nandalike, founder of Daijiworld media, Pradeep D'Souza, deputy director, Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports, Dakshina Kannada, and Aaron Reeve Mendes, international master in chess, as guests of honour. Fr Johnson Pinto, SJ, headmaster of St Aloysius High School, presided over the function.

During the inaugural ceremony, Aaron Reeve Mendes and Aarushi D'Silva were felicitated in recognition of their outstanding achievements in chess. The dignitaries appreciated the efforts of the Christian Sports Association in promoting chess and encouraging sportsmanship among the Christian community. They encouraged the participants to play with discipline, confidence and the true spirit of the game.

The tournament featured competitions in the following categories: Under-10 boys and girls, Under-13 boys and girls, Under-16 boys and girls, Open Men and Open Women.

The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from players across all categories, with exciting and competitive matches conducted throughout the day.

The valedictory ceremony was held in the evening in the presence of Anil Lobo, chairman, MCC Bank Ltd, and Roy Rodrigues, managing partner, Ludric Group of Companies, as guests of honour. They congratulated the winners and appreciated the organisers for conducting a well-organised tournament that promoted sportsmanship and unity within the Christian community.

The inaugural and valedictory programmes were compered by Melin Peres Peris, who conducted the proceedings with professionalism.

The tournament was efficiently managed by chief arbiter Kaushik and his team, ensuring fair play and the smooth conduct of all matches. Students from the BVoc Sports Management Department, St Aloysius (Deemed to be University), actively assisted in the organisation and management of the event.

The office-bearers of the association, including Agnel D'Souza (President), Arun Baptist (Convenor), Lawrence Crasta (Secretary), Benedict Fernandes (Treasurer), and other members, were present during the event.