Latest news with #NorthZoneChampionship
Time of India
25-07-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Checkmate against the odds: Winner of North Zone Chess C'ship for Visually Challenged aims for international gold
Chandigarh: The AICFB North Zone Chess Championship for the Visually Challenged concluded in Chandigarh, bringing together some of the most talented players from across northern India. Emerging as the champion was 23-year-old Somendra from Delhi, whose journey to the top is as inspiring as his performance on the chessboard. Held from July 10 to 13, the championship was overseen by Varun Kumar, an international-level arbiter and the chief arbiter of the 2025 North Zone Championship, appointed by the All-India Chess Federation for the Blind (AICFB). Speaking about the event, Varun shared, "It's been 15 years since I've been associated with this game. I've been an arbiter for all kinds of matches, but working with the visually impaired is special. " Indeed, the tournament setup reflected this sentiment. The specially designed boards feature raised dark squares and lowered white squares, with each piece fixed into place by pegs fitting into holes, so that players don't accidentally knock them over. Black pieces are distinguishable by a pin protruding on top, and players use braille notation sheets or tape recorders to track and announce their moves. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like TV providers are furious: this gadget gives you access to all channels Techno Mag Learn More Undo For Somendra, this championship was not just a test of skill but a milestone in a journey defined by perseverance and passion. Born and raised in Delhi, Somendra spent part of his childhood in his village with his grandparents. It was there, at a young age, that he contracted chickenpox. Due to a lack of timely medical attention and awareness, complications set in, leading to the tragic loss of his eyesight. Years of medical treatment eventually restored about 25% of his vision, but the experience left an indelible mark. Despite these challenges, Somendra found a spark that would change his life, chess. Introduced to the game by his seniors when he was in Class 3, he would often sit beside them during matches, slowly absorbing the rules and rhythm of the game. By 2016, chess became more than just a hobby, it became his interest. His dedication bore fruit on the international stage when he got the bronze medal at the Asian Para Games 2022, held in 2023 due to delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. That victory helped him secure a job at the Income Tax Office in Mumbai as a multi-tasking staff (MTS) through the sports quota, recognising his achievements in the international arena. Somendra trains under Dutta Sir, a coach who continues to guide him as he prepares for bigger opportunities. With his recent North Zone title win, Somendra is gearing up for the National Championships and has a clear goal in mind: "I want to win the gold at the 2027 World Games," he says, determined. Somendra's story is not just about winning a championship. It is a powerful reminder that with the right support, accessibility, and unwavering resolve, no obstacle can dim the spark within.
Time of India
23-07-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Manoj Dasot appointed as organising secretary for Rajasthan State Ranking Badminton tournament slated to be held in Jaipur from July 25
Jaipur: The Rajasthan State Ranking Badminton tournament, organised by the Rajasthan Badminton Association, will be played from July 25 to 30 at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium Indoor Hall, Jaipur. According to KK Sharma, secretary of Rajasthan Badminton Association, former national level badminton player and state awardee Manoj Dasot will be the organising secretary of this six-day long competition. On the basis of performance in this tournament, Rajasthan team will be selected for the North Zone Championship to be held in Himachal. The prize money for this competition is Rs 1 lakh. The qualifying round will be played from July 25 and the main round matches will be played from July 27. The competition will be played in junior and senior categories for boys, girls, men and women and singles, doubles and mixed doubles events will be played in it. The last date for submitting entries in the competition is July 22. Contestants will be able to submit their entries to the Rajasthan Badminton Association through the affiliated district association officials. Several national-level shuttlers are expected to participate in the competition.
Time of India
15-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Jaipur to host All India Sub-Junior ranking tournament in Oct as Rajasthan Badminton Association announces 2025-26 calendar
Jaipur: Jaipur will host the All India Sub-Junior U-15 and U-17 ranking tournament this year again as (RBA) announced its calendar for the year 2025-26 here on Thursday. The national-level tourney will be held from October 29 to November 7 here at the SMS Indoor Stadium. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now According to the RBA calendar, the season opener -- (July 25-30) will be held in Jaipur. In this competition, based on senior and junior competitions, men's and women's and U-19 boys and girls squad will be selected which will participate in the North Zone Championship slated to be held from September 1 to 10. The state junior U-19 inter-district badminton meet will be held in Udaipur from August 24 to 29. On the basis of performance in Udaipur meet, Rajasthan U-19 team will be selected which will compete in the Junior Nationals slated to be held in Ita Nagar, Andhra Pradesh, from November 18-24. The State Sub-Junior U-15 championship will be held in Jodhpur from October 10 to 15, while the state sub-junior U-17 competition will be held in Hanumangarh from November 13-17. The selected state team will take part in Sub-Junior Nationals scheduled to be held in Bhubaneswar, Odisha from December 1-6. Sub-junior competition in the 11 and 13 years category will be held in Jhunjhunu from October 1-6. The State Senior Badminton Championship will be held from November 25-30 in Kankroli, Rajsamand. The Senior Nationals will be held in Vijayawada from December 15-21. The Masters Badminton Championship will be held in Alwar from February 3-8, 2026, to select the state team for the Veteran Nationals which will take place in Jammu and Kashmir early next year. Rajasthan Badminton State and National calendar 2025-26 State senior and U-19 junior tournament: July 25-30, Jaipur State junior U-19 inter-district championship: August 24-29, Udaipur State sub-junior U-15 championship: October 10-15, Jodhpur State sub-junior U-17 championship: November 13-17, Hanumangarh State sub-junior U-11 & U-13 championship: October 1-6, Jhunjhunu State senior championship: November 25-30, Kankroli State Masters championship: February 3-8, 2026, Alwar All India Sub-Junior U-15 & U-17 ranking tournament: October 29-November 7, Jaipur.
