LIC Zonal Chess Tournament Kicks Off in Jamshedpur with Intense Matches

WGM Kiran Manisha Mohanty leads women’s category; Ashutosh Mohapatra tops men’s section

The LIC East Central Zonal Chess Tournament 2024 has commenced at Jeevan Prakash Building, Bistupur, featuring fierce competition in both men’s and women’s categories.

JAMSHEDPUR – The LIC East Central Zonal Chess Tournament 2024, organized by DSC and LIESC, Jamshedpur Division, has begun at the Jeevan Prakash Building in Bistupur with competitive matches across both genders.

Woman Grandmaster (WGM) Kiran Manisha Mohanty has taken the lead in the women’s category, besting Nemali Padma Sailaja to secure the top spot with three points.

A draw was recorded between Meghna Raj and Manisha Trivedi, while Asha Kumar emerged victorious against K. Puja Rao.

The second position in the women’s section is currently shared by Nemali Padma Sailaja, Asha Kumari, and Ratnapriya Raj, each holding two points.

In the men’s category, Ashutosh Mohapatra has claimed the lead after defeating Amresh Kumar 3-2, accumulating three points.

Bidhu Bhusan Mishra and Himangshu B. Chakraborty’s match ended in a draw, while C.H. Prabhakar Rao overcame Astik Kumar Dalai to secure the second position with 2.5 points.

Amresh Kumar currently holds the third place in the men’s section with two points.

The tournament boasts a total of 22 participants, with 12 competing in the men’s category and 10 in the women’s category.

Three rounds were completed in both categories on the first day, with the men’s section set to play a total of six rounds and the women’s five.

Chief Guest Shyam Sundar Besra, RM (HRD), Patna, inaugurated the event, accompanied by Ananta Bhushan Rath, Sr. DM, Jamshedpur, and G. Ravi Shankar, Hony. Secretary of the LIE Sports Club.

Chief Arbiter IA Chandan Kumar Prasad is officiating the tournament.