How Did the 24th IPCA World Chess Championship Conclude with Global Participation in Goa?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Inclusivity is at the forefront of modern sports.
- The event featured over 100 competitors from diverse countries.
- Top winners were awarded gold, silver, and bronze medals.
- Chief Minister Pramod Sawant attended, highlighting the event's significance.
- The tournament offered a total prize fund of USD 15,000.
Panaji, July 30 (NationPress) The 24th IPCA Individual Chess Championship 2025 successfully wrapped up in Goa, uniting skilled players with disabilities from around the world. This remarkable event was collaboratively organized by the Department for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, the State Commission for Persons with Disabilities, and the Organising Committee of the 24th IPCA World Chess Championship.
During the award ceremony, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant bestowed the top three winners in the Men’s, Women’s, and Wheelchair categories with gold, silver, and bronze medals. In the Men’s category, Armenia secured the first place, trailed by Poland and Tajikistan. For the Women’s category, Russia took the lead, with Poland in second and India in a proud third position.
In his address, Sawant congratulated all competitors and commended their courage and determination. He stated, “My attendance at this special ceremony, even during the Assembly session, reflects my love and respect for them.” He also emphasized the importance of the Purple Festival, which celebrates the talents of persons with disabilities across diverse fields.
The event concluded with enthusiastic applause for all participants. Dignitaries in attendance included Minister Subhash Phaldesai, State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities Guruprasad Pawaskar, and senior officials from the organizing departments, marking a significant milestone for inclusive sports in Goa.
This championship featured over 100 elite competitors from more than 20 countries, including Russia, Israel, Poland, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, Germany, South Africa, the UAE, Sri Lanka, among others. Noteworthy international participants comprised IM Gurbanov Andrei (Israel), FM Molenda Marcin (Poland), FM Severino Sander (Philippines), IM Obodchuk Andrei (FIDE), FM Vit Vaclav Valenta (Czech Republic), alongside rising stars from India like CM Samarth Rao and FM Venkata Krishna Karthick, the reigning Asian Para Champion.
The inclusivity was evident across men, women, juniors, and girls, culminating in an aggregate team trophy awarded to the top three federations based on medal counts, prioritizing gold, silver, and bronze. The tournament boasted a total prize fund of USD 15,000.