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Kishan Gangolli conquers his eighth AICFB National Championship

by Shahid Ahmed - 06/01/2024

The top seed and defending champion - Kishan Gangolli (KAR) scored an unbeaten 7.5/9 to win 17th AICFB National Premier Championship for the Visually Challenged 2023-24. This is his eighth AICFB National title. Subhendu Kumar Patra (ODI) scored 7/9 to secure second place. Ashvin K Makwana (GUJ) was placed third with a score of 6.5/9. Kishan drew against both runner-up - Subhendu and Ashvin. The top three prizes were ₹35000, ₹25000 and ₹15000 along with a trophy each. This championship is the top most selection tournament for the Visually Challenged players in India. The top twelve finishers are selected to represent India in the upcoming Purple International Chess Festival for Visually Challenged 2024 slated to take place in Goa. Photos are from press release unless specified otherwise.

Kishan wins his second consecutive National title in 2023

Kishan Gangolli (KAR) and Subhendu Kumar Patra (ODI) were the coleaders 6.5/8 heading into the final round. Kishan defeated Rafik S (TN) and Milind Samant (MAH) held Subhendu to a draw. Thus, Kishan became a clear champion, Subhendu second. Ashvin K Makwana (GUJ) drew against Swapanil Shah (MAH) to finish third. Kishan keeps creating records by winning the prestigious championship for eighth time in his career. Earlier in March 2023, Kishan won his seventh AICFB National title. His undefeated streak at the National Championship increases to 61 games.

Champion - Kishan Gangolli 7.5/9

Top 3 (L to R): 2nd Subhendu Kumar Patra 7/9, 1st Kishan Gangolli 7.5/9 and 3rd Ashvin K Makwana 6.5/9

Mr. D P Anantha, President Karnataka State Chess Association, Mr. Rajashekar M P, Trustee Aryan Care Foundation, Ms. Vasanthi Hariprakash, Journalist and Podcaster, Mr. Jayaram, Founder Green Path Hotel, Aryan Surya S A, World ChessBoxing Champion (U 15, 2022 Turkey) and Dr. Manish Thool, Secretary All India Chess Federation for the Blind, distributed the prizes to winners.

Kishan Gangolli en route his second round victory over Shidad M (KER) | Photo: IA Manjunatha M

Kishan Gangolli scored an unbeaten 7.5/9, drew against both podium finishers

Kishan Gangolli with his champion's trophy

All participants with the arbiters IA Manjunatha M and IA Pravin Pantawane

The tournament hall at Padukone - Dravid Centre for Sports Excellence | Photo: IA Manjunatha M

A total of 40 players qualified from four different zonal events. The six-day nine round Rating tournament was organized by All India Chess Federation for the Blind, hosted by Aryan Care Foundation, Bangalore, Karnataka at Padukone - Dravid Centre for Sports Excellence in Bangalore, Karnataka from 20th to 25th December 2023. The time control of the event was 90 minutes + 30 seconds increment per move from move no.1.

Final standings

Rk.SNoNameFEDRtgClub/CityPts. TB1  TB2  TB3 
11Kishan, GangolliIND2032Karnataka7,545,549,540,00
23Patra, Subhendu KumarIND1732Odisha747,55138,25
35Makwana, Ashvin KIND1632Gujarat6,546,549,533,75
44Samant, MilindIND1640Maharashtra64244,527,25
511Shashidhar, K MIND1459Karnataka637,54123,50
67Swapanil, ShahIND1619Maharashtra5,547,55129,75
79Marimuthu, KIND1540Tamil Nadu5,54649,526,75
82Saikrishna, S. T.IND1734Tamil Nadu5,545,54927,00
927Rafik, SIND1299Tamil Nadu5,542,54625,25
1017Kakade, AtulIND1347Maharashtra5,542,543,522,75

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