ITANAGAR : The 3rd State Level Junior-cum-Inter-School FIDE Rating Chess Championship-2026 concluded at Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya (VKV), Chimpu on Wednesday with enthusiastic participation from young chess players across Arunachal Pradesh.

Organised by the All Arunachal Pradesh Chess Association (AAPCA), the championship witnessed participation from around 160 students representing 28 schools from different parts of the state, including nine International Chess Federation (FIDE)-rated players. Officials informed that nine participants from the tournament are expected to receive their FIDE ratings soon.

Intaya Public School Roing student Nyadar Poyom emerged champion after scoring 8 points from nine rounds. VKV Chimpu student Jito Dirchi and Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya Megdong student Oonshu Haging secured second and third positions respectively with 7.5 points each.

The top three finishers will represent Arunachal Pradesh at the National Under-19 Chess Championship-2026, with the AAPCA sponsoring their participation.

Jumsi Lollen, who scored 5.5 points, was adjudged the Best Performing Girl of the tournament.

A total of 20 players, along with winners across eight age-group categories, were felicitated with trophies and incentives during the valedictory function.

Kamle former Zilla Parishad Chairperson Biri Shanti attended the closing ceremony as chief guest, while AAPCA honorary secretary Tamchi Kache attended as guest of honour.

The age-group category winners included Koj Hempyo (Under-9 Boys), Jumman Lollen (Under-9 Girls), Nyelam Beomen (Under-11 Boys), Posmi Ronya (Under-11 Girls), Begia Josh (Under-13 Boys), Lukna Lomdak (Under-13 Girls), Chuku Niting (Under-15 Boys) and Binia Lomdak (Under-15 Girls).

The organisers expressed gratitude to all participants, schools, officials and guests for contributing to the successful conduct of the championship.