Tripura’s young chess stars delivered outstanding individual performances at the National School Chess Tournament (Under-17), even as the state’s overall team showing fell short of expectations. The championship, held recently at the NSRCC building in Agartala, ended on a mixed note for the host state.
Despite the team’s struggles, three promising players from Tripura shone brightly. Arshiya Das and Mehekdip Gope clinched gold medals in their respective categories, while Aradhya Das secured a silver medal. Their achievements stood out amid concerns raised by several visiting teams over the living conditions and food arrangements provided by the Tripura Chess Association (TCA).
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Tripura’s Individual Brilliance
According to sources in the association, both the boys’ and girls’ teams had started the tournament on a positive note. However, as matches progressed, their team performance weakened. Yet, the individual excellence of a few players kept the state in the spotlight.
In the girls’ under-17 category, Maharashtra emerged as the team champion, followed by Kerala in second place and Tamil Nadu in third. Tripura’s Arshiya Das, however, outperformed all competitors individually. She secured a gold medal with a flawless score of six out of six, demonstrating strong tactical and positional play throughout the tournament.
Her teammate, Aradhya Das, also performed impressively, finishing with 5.5 out of 6 points, enough to grab the silver medal. Aradhya won five matches and drew one, showcasing consistency across the rounds.
In the boys’ under-17 section, Mehekdip Gope delivered an equally remarkable performance. He won all six of his matches, securing a perfect score and earning the individual gold medal. Mehekdip’s clean sweep further highlighted the potential of Tripura’s young talent.
National Results and Team Standings
In the boys’ under-17 team standings, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) squad took the championship title with a strong all-round display. Haryana and Maharashtra finished in second and third places respectively, proving their tactical depth and preparation.
While other states celebrated their victories, Tripura’s overall team performance did not match expectations. However, the emergence of medal-winning players like Arshiya, Mehekdip, and Aradhya provided a significant boost to the state’s reputation in youth chess.
Teams Raise Concerns Over Facilities
The event, jointly organised by the Tripura School Sports Board, the Sports and Youth Programme Department, and the Tripura Sports Council, drew a large number of participants from across the country. However, several teams expressed dissatisfaction with the management of accommodation and food.
Participants alleged that the living conditions were below expected standards, and the quality of food served during the tournament was inadequate. These concerns overshadowed the competitive atmosphere and sparked disappointment among the visiting teams.
The Tripura Chess Association faced criticism for not ensuring better arrangements despite hosting a major national-level event. Some team officials highlighted that improved management could have enhanced the players’ experience and maintained the tournament’s prestige.
A Mixed Outcome for Tripura
While organisational shortcomings marred the overall event, the success of Tripura’s young chess prodigies brought pride to the state. Their exceptional individual performances reaffirmed that Tripura continues to nurture talented players capable of excelling on the national stage.
The medal haul from Arshiya, Mehekdip, and Aradhya is expected to inspire more young chess enthusiasts in the state and encourage the authorities to provide stronger support and better facilities in future competitions.
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