Bangalore, 6th October 2024: The 12th edition of the IBCA World Junior and Women’s Chess Championship for the Blind and Visually Impaired concluded its 9-day tournament on October 6th at the Chancery Pavilion Hotel, Bangalore.
In the Women’s category, WIM Zsiltzova-Lisenko Lubov from Ukraine claimed the championship, with Egeman Emilia from Poland securing second place, followed by fellow Pole, Tryjanska Emilia, who finished third.
In the Junior category, the title was claimed by Poland’s Salamon Julia, while her compatriot Racis Michal secured the runner-up position. Kuanyshuly Nurgisa from Kazakhstan took third place in the junior competition.
Notably, India’s Megha Chakraborty, an Asian Para Games medalist, finished 7th among her peers.
Women’s Tournament Recap
Zsiltzova-Lisenko Lubov, a past champion, reclaimed her title after first winning it in 1989. She dominated this year’s tournament, achieving a perfect score to win the championship for the 12th time. Egeman Emilia earned the silver medal with 7.5 points, while Tryjanska Emilia secured bronze with 7 points.
Junior Tournament Recap
Poland’s Racis Michal and Salamon Julia engaged in a close battle for the title. After a dramatic series of matches, Julia pulled ahead in the sixth round by defeating India’s Waghmare Tanish. She maintained her lead and clinched the 2024 IBCA World Junior Chess Championship for the Blind. Michal finished in second place, earning a silver medal, while Kazakhstan’s Kuanyshuly Nurgisa secured bronze.
Closing Ceremony
The closing ceremony was attended by notable dignitaries, including Dr. Charudatta Jadhav, President of the All India Chess Federation for the Blind (AICFB); Grand Master Tej Kumar; Mr. Arun Kumar, Director of Food and Beverage at the Chancery Pavilion Hotel; Mrs. Padhmavati R., Joint Director at Karnataka Milk Federation; Mr. Ranganath Shenoy, CEO of Giniminds; Professor Amit Prakash of IIIT Bangalore & Founder of Visual Empower; and Ms. Marilyn Bland, IBCA Executive Board Member.
Dr. Charudatta Jadhav spoke about the importance of the tournament, highlighting the passion and perseverance of the players: “Chess is more than just a game; it’s an opportunity for personal growth and connection. Every match demonstrated immense focus, determination, and the power of overcoming challenges. This event has brought us all together, proving that success is not only about victory but about the journey and the friendships we build along the way.”
The ceremony ended with a celebratory awards presentation for the top six players in each category, followed by the national anthem, symbolizing unity and excellence within the chess community.
About AICFB
The All India Chess Federation for the Blind (AICFB) was founded in 1997 with the goal of promoting chess among visually impaired players in India. As a non-profit organization affiliated with the International Braille Chess Association (IBCA), AICFB works to integrate blind chess players into the global chess community. With 14 state bodies and over 3,000 registered players, AICFB organizes numerous national championships and tournaments to foster talent and participation across the country.
