Mandar Lad put in a commanding performances to reign supreme at the all Goa Rapid & Blitz Chess Tournament 2026 organised by Serials Chess Club in association with the Directorate of Sports & Youth Affairs, GVM’s Chess in School, and Ponda Taluka Chess Association.
The Rapid tournament was conducted over 9 rounds and witnessed a total of 254 participants. Out of these, the top 20 players were awarded cash prizes. Among them, the top 3 players were awarded cash prizes along with trophies. Additionally, 69 players were awarded trophies in various age and other categories.
Mandar Lad emerged as the winner scoring 8.5/9 points, while Joshua Mark Telles and Rishit Gawas scored 8/9 points each to secure second and third place respectively.
The Blitz Tournament was conducted over 8 rounds and saw participation from 232 players. Out of these, the top 20 players were awarded cash prizes. Among them, the top 3 players were awarded cash prizes along with trophies. Additionally, 28 players were awarded trophies in age and other categories.
Mandar Lad dominated the Blitz event as well scoring 7.5/8 points, while Vihaan Tari and CM Niraj Saripalli scored 7/8 points each to finish among the top three. The Best Academy Prize was won by Chess Guru Goa Academy.
Earlier the tournament was inaugurated (11th April 2026) with the ceremonial first move played by the Chief Guest, Krishna Shetye (Chairman of GVM’s) and Guest of Honor Kirtikumar Bhatikar, marking the official commencement of the event.
The Prize Distribution function was held on 12th April 2026 at 5:00 PM in the esteemed presence of Chief Guest Dr. Ajay Gaude (Director, DSYA & Executive Director, SAG) along with Krishna Shetye, Sujan Sukhtankar (President, Mormugao Taluka Chess Association), Sagar Sakordekar (President, Ponda Taluka Chess Association), Irfan Khan (Head Coach Badminton, Khelo India Centre of Excellence), Sanjay Kavlekar (SAG Chess Coach), Pushpashil Satardekar (Joint Treasurer, Mormugao Taluka Chess Association), Veena Naik (President, Serials Chess Club), and Deepesh Priolkar (Tournament Director).
The tournament was successfully conducted under the able arbitership of Tanishq Kavlekar, Anushka Naik, Anish Naik, Sanskriti Naroji, and Vignesh Sawant.
