Shubham Rath wins the first season of Sabuta Nijog Estate Chess Battle

Shubham Rath secured victory at the inaugural Sabuta Nijog Estate Chess Battle, claiming the championship title after two days of strategic competition in Puri. Sahil Panda earned the runner-up position in this 16-player tournament held at Chakratirtha Temple on October 23 and 24. Organisers from the Shree Jagannath Temple Panchtirtha Sevayat Sabuta Nijog Estate planned this sporting event to bring local chess enthusiasts together. Encouraging intellectual sports within temple communities creates unique opportunities for youth development, fostering a culture of patience and logical reasoning in the coastal region.

District Collector Divyajyoti Parida attended the semi-finals and final matches as chief guest, and encouraged all the tournament participants. Municipal Corporation Commissioner also joined the event, providing further motivation for the local competitors. League matches and quarter-finals took place on Wednesday evening, paving the way for the decisive final rounds on Thursday.

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Tournament officials, including Santosh Kumar Pushpalak and senior members of the Nijog, felicitated both winners and participants during the closing ceremony. Sponsors received recognition for supporting this effort to build concentration and strategic decision-making abilities among young people. Completing this first season establishes a strong foundation for future chess competitions in Puri, providing an active platform for emerging talents to refine their game.