Correspondent
KOHIMA, JUL 18 (NPN): Kevilekho Zumvü emerged as the champion of the Open category at the 22nd Nagaland State FIDE Rating Chess Championship 2026, which concluded on Saturday at the Nagaland Olympic Association (NOA) office complex, Kohima.
The three-day championship, organised by the Nagaland Chess Association (NCA) under the aegis of the All India Chess Federation (AICF), was conducted for the first time as a FIDE-rated tournament in compliance with the FIDE Laws of Chess. Zumvü claimed the title along with a cash prize of Rs. 50,000. Salhuto Nyekha finished second and received Rs. 30,000, while Khrielie Sano secured third place with a cash prize of Rs. 20,000. Melesayi, Meghaho Awomi, Heilamgumbe Haikuibe, Bovito, Kughaho Kiho, Khoveto Vero and Er. Vipulhou Lhoungu finished fourth to tenth respectively.
The top four finishers in the Open category will represent Nagaland at the 63rd National Senior Chess Championship (Open), scheduled to be held in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, from December 28, 2026 to January 7, 2027.
In the Under-11 category, Tezeve Doulo of Northfield School, Kohima, emerged champion, followed by Otsi Tunyi of Northfield School, Kohima, Apishe Kiba of St. Mary Higher Secondary School, Pudumpukhuri, Dimapur, Zhasazo Nagi of Minister’s Hill Baptist Higher Secondary School, Kohima, and Damian Lyngdoh of G. Rio School, Kohima, in second, third, fourth and fifth positions respectively.
Jitihto Nyekha of North Town Higher Secondary School, Chümoukedima, won the Under-15 title. Vesho Doulo and Hielhoukho Semou, both from Northfield School, Kohima, Khrieto Terhuja of Little Star Higher Secondary School, Dimapur, and Ethungthung Odyuo secured second to fifth places respectively.
In the Best Female category, Choli Tunyi of Northfield School, Kohima, clinched the title, while Aloino Kiba and Lina Kiba, both from St. Mary Higher Secondary School, Padumpukhuri, Dimapur, finished second and third respectively. Atoka H. Wotsa won the Unrated category, with Toivi Yepthomi, Neikehiezo Zinyu, Viseyie Yano and Mutuzo Lohe securing second, third, fourth and fifth places respectively.
K. Sekhamo was adjudged the Best Senior player (60 years and above), while Seluokuo Samuel Rame of Living Tree School, Kohima, was recognised as the youngest participant. Winners across all categories were presented with cash prizes, trophies and certificates. Speaking at the prize distribution programme, former NCA president Helie Rupreo informed that Nagaland would host the North East Chess Championship 2026 at Dimapur from December 15 to 19, 2026.
Former NCA presidents Helie Rüpreo and K. Sekhamo, along with Dr. Theyiesinuo Keditsu, Assistant Professor, Department of English, Kohima College, presented the prizes to the winners. The prize distribution programme was led by Chief Arbiter and NCA Honorary Secretary Vekukho Soho. James Ruokuoselhou and Rokozono Nagi assisted as arbiters, while Aphre-e Nagi compered the programme and Mengise Haikam, Deputy Chief Arbiter and Joint Secretary of the NCA, proposed the vote of thanks. Altogether, 75 participants took part in the championship.