12th Sumi Chess Championship 2025 underway

The 12th Sumi Chess Championship 2025 commenced with great enthusiasm and reverence at its inaugural program, where Rev. Kihoto Rotokha, Evangelist of WSBAK-Akuvuto, offered prayers for the pioneers, officials, and former executives. He also invoked God’s blessings upon the championship and all its participants.
This year’s edition saw 79 chess enthusiasts competing across various categories. Held in commemoration of the legacy and vision of its pioneers, the event celebrates both the sport and the values it instills.
Dr. K. Inazhe Phuleshe, Retired director of the rural development department graced the event as the special guest. In his address, Dr. Phuleshe shared the impactful journey of the Sumi Chess Association Nagaland (SCAN) since its inception. He reflected on the life lessons chess imparts, drawing powerful parallels between the game and spirituality.
He emphasized the value of crisis management, discipline, and perseverance, urging the youth to pursue their passion from a young age with consistency and dedication. Drawing from real-life anecdotes and a quote by Bruce Lee, he encouraged the participants to work so diligently that their achievements would speak for themselves.
A freestyle strength competition also featured during the event. One of the highlights was a participant who demonstrated his strength by lifting a bull that remained calm and obedient. When asked about his feat, the man said, “This ox was born from my cow. I’ve been lifting it every day since birth. That’s why it obeys me.” His story served as a powerful metaphor: starting young and building consistency leads to mastery.
Among the participants were Yekhevi Yeptho (73 years) the oldest player, Edlina Nini Kiba (6 years) from Bloom Academy, Ekranipathar Dimapur, is the youngest female participant and Jeremy Nitova Zhimoni (7 years) from N.N Nagi School, Dimapur, is the youngest male participant.
On the second day, Anato Zhimomi, renowned industrialist and philanthropist, ceremoniously opened the day’s matches as the Match Patron.
Preliminary results for various categories are as follows: Open category: Mughaho Awomi, Kughaho Kiho, Toivi, U18: Thophimi, U14: Kuxupu Achumi, U10: Apishe Kiba.
The championship will conclude on August 22, 2025. A moment of silence was also observed in memory of the departed pioneers whose vision laid the foundation for the championship’s legacy.
The event was chaired by general secretary, SCAN, Mughato K Kiba and the presidential address was delivered by president, Inakhe Shiniho Jakhalu. The keynote address was delivered by the first president, SCAN, Toikhu Awomi. A special song was presented by Kiviinoli Zhimo.