Cheda becomes first official national champion
Bhutan National Premier Chess Championship

By IA Dharmendra Kumar

Finally, Bhutan Chess team is ready to take off to Tromso Olympiad, Norway. After the initiative taken by All India Chess Federation, Bhutan Chess Federation finally decided to organize its Premier National Championship as well as selection for Olympiad team. Championship was organized by Bhutan Chess Federation in collaboration with Dept. of youth & Sports, Govt. of Bhutan under and Bhutan Olympic committee. Tournament was financially and technically supported by All India Chess Federation and Bhutan Olympic committee.

Championship was Inaugurated by Mr. Chencho Dorji, Director General of Department of Youth and Sports, Govt. of Bhutan in presence of Guest of Honour, Mr. Bharat Singh Chauhan, CEO, All India Chess Federation. They made a ceremonial move on the Chess Board and declare event open. Other distinguished guest present on the function was Tshering Lham, Representative of Bhutan Olympic Committee, Nima Chika, Dy. Chief & Co-ordinator, Dept. of Youth & Sports, Govt. of Bhutan, Layke Dorji, Gen. Secretary of Bhutan Chess Federation and Chief Arbiter, IA Dharmendra Kumar.

In his speech, Mr. Chencho Dorji, thanks to FIDE & Asian Chess Federation for their support to conduct this championship and especially he mentioned the outstanding support from AICF.

61 players from all over Bhutan has participated in the National Open Chess Tournament including 12 players selected and filled by Dept. of Youth and Sports, Bhutan.

After the 9th round championship, Cheda declared as first official National Champion of Bhutan with 7.5 point. Though he lost his 4th round game against Kiran Rai, he didn’t lost his temperament and won all subsequent game and except last round which ended in draw with another promising player of Bhutan Sonam Karma who finished 3rd. As first place was tied between Cheda and Binod Rai but better progressive score supported to Cheda to clinch the title and Binod placed 2nd. Anand Rai and Wangchuk Tandin stood 4th & 5th respectively.

In a colourfull prize distribution ceremony, Mr. Lyonpo Kinzang Dorji, President, BIGSA has gave away the prizes to all the prize winners. This ceremony was witnessed by. Guest of Honour, Mr. Bharat Singh Chauhan, CEO, All India Chess Federation, Preben Staun, Vice President, Denmark Olympic committee, Annemarie Haahr Kristensen, Nima Chika, Dy. Chief & Co-ordinator, Dept. of Youth & Sports, Govt. of Bhutan, Layke Dorji, Gen. Secretary of Bhutan Chess Federation and Chief Arbiter, IA Dharmendra Kumar.

Final Results


All the participants during Inauguration ceremony with guest


Bharat Singh, CEO, AICF (left) and Layke Dorji, Gen Secretary, Bhutan Chess Federation (right)


Arbiters Team


Formally inaugurated by Chencho Dorji, Director General of Department of Youth and Sports, Govt. of Bhutan (2nd from left)


His majesty Lyonpo Kinzang Dorji, President, BIGSA addressing to gathering


Post game analysis


Ready to start!! Participants before inauguration.


Rush to pairing


Selected member of Bhutan Chess Team for olympiad with Guest


Simultaneous exhibition by Bharat Singh Chahan, CEO, AICF


Tournament Hall