Media Release

Mangaluru, Feb 9: Chess Fiesta 2025, organized by CFAL and ELC in collaboration with Derik’s Chess School, concluded successfully at the ELC Campus on February 9. The event was inaugurated by deputy commissioner of Dakshina Kannada Mullai Muhilan in the presence of corporator Shashidhar Hegde and founders of Derik’s Chess School Derik Pinto and Prasanna Rao. Deccan Herald and Mangalore Mere Jaan partnered in making the contest a grand success.

A total of 265 participants from diverse age groups and backgrounds competed in the day-long tournament, showcasing immense talent and passion for chess. The overwhelming response underscored the region’s deep-rooted interest in the game and the growing popularity of competitive platforms.

In his inaugural address, Mullai Muhilan commended the collaborative efforts of CFAL, ELC, and Derik’s Chess School in promoting chess at the grassroots level. He highlighted that platforms like Chess Fiesta not only nurture budding talent but also contribute significantly to fostering strategic thinking, discipline, and sportsmanship among the youth.

Vijay Moras, trustee, encouraged students to use their problem-solving and strategic planning skills. He emphasized how chess moves involve probability and patterns, sharpening the mind.

Winners of the Chess Fiesta were honoured with merit certificates and attractive prizes, recognizing their exceptional performances. All participants received participation certificates, encouraging them to continue pursuing excellence in the sport. Nishanth D’Souza was declared the ‘Coastal Champion’ after winning the open category.

The event concluded on a high note, with participants and organizers expressing gratitude to all supporters for their valuable contribution in fostering a thriving chess culture in the region.

Winners' list

Under 8 Girls

• Varenya Shenoy
• Aarna S Boloor
• Chaandri Madhukiran
• Shrutha Keerthi Shenoy Nitte
• Kiyaara D Gowda

Under 8 Open

• Omkar Kamath
• Devavrthan R
• Shrish Vaibhav Patil
• Monish B
• Avyukth Baglodi

Under 10 Girls

• Prashamsa N
• Namasvi Poojary
• Saanishka Shetty
• Pranamya Somayaji
• Manasvini P

Under 10 Open

• Agasthya Ram
• Sohan Peyton Fernandes
• Kiyaansh Gowda
• Ahan Panicker
• Bhavith Pradeep Shetty

Under 13 Girls

• Niharika K
• Kiyara Prakash Sheka
• Shreshtha Shree
• Nidhishri
• Rizelle Alida D’Souza

Under 13 Open

• Vinel Leon D’Souza
• Evann Raphael Aranha
• Vihaan Viraj
• Arthur Arun Alex
• Abdul Zameer

Under 16 Girls

• Arushi Severin Helen Dsilva
• Lincia Jocelyn D’Souza
• Seona Dipcia Veigas
• Sunidhi K
• Zaara Khazi

Under 16 Open

• Praneeth H S
• Shannon Ethan Fernandes
• Shreyas Madhusoodan
• Namish R Poojary
• Arush Sachin

Open Category

• Nishanth D’Souza
• Vihaan Shetty
• Aarush Bhat
• Anshul Panicker
• Shreesha U A

Special Awards

• Coastal Champion: Nishanth D’Souza
• Best Veteran: Vinaya Prakash Ashirwad
• Best Woman: Aadhya A Shetty