The Friends of Kannur Kuwait Expats‘ Association (FOKE) Abbasiya Unit organized a chess tournament on Friday, January 31, from 2 PM at United Indian School, Abbasiya. The tournament was inaugurated by FOKE President Lijesh Parayath. Abbasiya Unit Convener Prajith presided over the event, which was graced by FOKE General Secretary Hariprasad UK, Treasurer Suraj KV, Abbasiya Zonal In-Charge Dileep, Central Zonal In-Charge Eldo Babu, FOKE Vanithavedi Chairperson Shamna Vinoj, and Abbasiya Unit Treasurer Joseph Mathew. FOKE Balavedi Convener Avantika Mahesh also extended their congratulations and best wishes.
The tournament was conducted in two categories: under 12 years and above 12 years, allowing participation from the Indian community in Kuwait. A total of 120 participants from various parts of Kuwait competed. The matches were overseen by a team of six chess arbiters, led by renowned chess arbiters Anita Rajendran and Jacob Umman.
In the under-12 category, the winners were Sam Parker, Dhruv Kishore, and Sreharini Anandakannan, securing the first, second, and third positions, respectively. In the above-12 category, Mithilesh Ranjithkumar, Mohanish Balamurugan, and Sudhanshu Muluk claimed the top three positions. Cash prizes, medals, and certificates of merit were awarded to the winners.
Special mementos were also given to outstanding performers among the FOKE members, Devapriya Deepak and Niranjana Anoop.
Abbasiya Unit Secretary Shaji Bhaskar welcomed the gathering, while Program Convener Vinoy Vilson delivered the vote of thanks.