Kevilekho claims title at Nagaland Chess C’ship

Kevilekho Zumvü emerged as the champion of the 21st Nagaland State Chess Championship, organised by the Nagaland Chess Association (NCA) and recognised by the All India Chess Federation and the World Chess Federation (FIDE). The championship commenced on July 2, 2025, and brought together top chess talents from across the state.
Zumvü, with a FIDE rating of 1850, secured the state title for the eighth time, having previously won in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2023. As the state champion, he received a cash prize of 30,000 along with a trophy and citations. He will now go on to represent Nagaland at the upcoming 62nd National Chess Championship. Hailamgumbe Haikube secured the second position and received20,000, while Salhuto Nyekha and Mughaho Awomi took third and fourth places, earning 10,000 and5,000 respectively. The top ten finalists of the championship were each awarded a cash prize of `2,000. Those who made it to the top ten included Kehung Haikam, Visanyuzo Kuotsu, Vikiye Sumi, Kughaho Kiho, Itokhu Sumi, and Sukhavi Achumi.
In the age-specific categories, Jitiho Nyekha from Touch of Hope School, Chümoukedima, secured the first position in the U-14 category. He was followed by Heilhoukho Semou of Northfield School, Kohima, in second place, and Kevisehu T. Zatsu of G Rio School in third.
In the U-10 category, Otsi Tunyi from Northfield School, Kohima, clinched the first position, while Damian Lyngdoh of G Rio School and Jeremy Zhimomi from NN Nagi School, Dimapur, secured the second and third positions respectively.
The award for the best female player went to Choli Tunyi of Northfield School, Kohima, while Maongkar Ozukum, also from Northfield School, was adjudged the best player in the Under-7 category.
The Nagaland Chess Association expressed satisfaction over the enthusiastic participation and reiterated its commitment to promoting chess in the state through regular tournaments and grassroots-level training.