Post News Network
Bhubaneswar, May 23: Orissa players hogged the limelight on the inaugural day of the IXth KIIT International Chess Festival, which was inaugurated here Monday. Forty two players from the state are leading the pack in the platinum category with one point each after winning their first round matches.
The competition was inaugurated by KIIT founder Achyuta Samanta. The tournament is being played in three different categories. In the elite category, a total of 220 participants are taking part in nine round meet. Players from India, Bangladesh, Russia, USA, Uzbekistan, South Africa, Nepal, Bhutan, Kazakhstan, Canada, Indonesia and Afghanistan are participating in the mega event.
Altogether 86 rated players including 15 GM, three WGM and 18 IM players are taking part. Top 10 players from Orissa are playing including Swayams Mishra, Kiran Manisha Mohanty, Saina Salonika and Aparajita Gochhikar.
Team announced
Orissa Athletic Association (OAA) announced a nine-member team Monday for the 13th National Youth Athletic Championships at Calicut, Kerala, May 26-28.
The squad: Prasanjit Kujur (100m, 200m), Bikash Barwa (400m, hurdles), Krishna Munda (200m, 400m), Biplabini Sha (100m, 200m), Rashmita Chinhara (800m), Sunita Oram (1500m), Salmi Kispotta (discus, shot put), Carmela Barla (javelin), Sanjukta Minz (javeline).
