Goa Purple 24 – World IPCA Individual Chess Championship 2025 drew to a conclusion at International Centre Goa, Dona Paula on Wednesday.
Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant graced the closing ceremony and presented the prizes to the winners in the Men’s, Women’s, and Wheelchair category events; in the presence of Social Welfare Minister, Subhash Phal Dessai.
Dr. Sawant stated that this tournament was in keeping with the Goa Government focus on inclusivity and he was happy that Goa could host the 24th IPCA Chess Championship, which was being conducted for the first time in Asia . He invited all players to visit Goa for Purple Fest in October.
The championship, which witnessed stirring display of immense grit and incredible passion, was organised by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities.
FM Sargissyan Sargis of Armenia was crowned the champion. Playing on board 2, FM Sargissyan Sargis(2205) of Armenia defeated FM. Valenta Vit Vaclav(2106) of Czech Republic in a Guico Piano opening in 47 moves to clinch the title scoring 7.5 points out of 9.
On board 1, IM. Molenda Marcin(2376) of Poland drew with FM. Liplin Llia(2161) of Russia in 22 moves in a Catalan opening encounter to be on 7 points each. IM Molenda Marcin won the silver medal.
On board 3, FM Ayapov Alimzhan (1994) of Kazakhstan defeated IM Gurbanov Andrei (2291) of Israel in a London system opening through an impressive sacrifice in the 19th move upon which, IM Gurbanov resigned on the 22nd move.
Ayapov Alimzham scored 7 points and won the bronze medal. FM Liplin Llia and Anfinogenov Artem both of FIDE also scored 7 points each and were placed 4th and 5th respectively.
Overall in team medals, FIDE flag countries comprising Russia and Belarus won 21 medals with 12 gold medals and were placed first. India also won 21 medals but won 5 golds and so were placed second. Kazhakistan with 9 medals including 2 gold were placed third. In the men’s wheelchair category, Glazar Domagoj of Croatia, IM Obodchuk Andrei of FIDE , Maikenov Bakytzhan of Kazhakistan while in the women’s wheelchair category, Khlypovka Lada of FIDE, Tran Thi Bich Thuy of Vietnam and Mehta Charvi of India won the gold, silver and bronze medal respectively.
Medals were also presented to the Under 20 boys and girls and Under 15 boys and girls winners.
