Sports Minister Inaugurates 23rd NE State Chess Championship

Aizawl, December 2025: Sports & Youth Services Minister Pu Lalnghinglova Hmar inaugurated the 23rd Northeast (NE) States Chess Championship at the R. Dengthuama Indoor Stadium, Mualpuiah. The event brought together chess players from various states across India.

As the Sports Minister and also holding the Tourism portfolio, Pu Lalnghinglova Hmar welcomed the participants and emphasized the importance of fostering talent through such tournaments. He also highlighted Mizoram’s active participation in promoting sports, including the Winter Festival, as a means of encouraging youth engagement. While chess may not yet be considered a “popular sport” in Mizoram and other NE states, the Minister expressed hope that this championship would help raise its profile. He noted that chess is a mentally stimulating game that enhances strategic thinking and attention span, making it particularly relevant in today’s era of social media and short attention spans.

The 23rd NE States Chess Championship saw a total of 280 participants from across the region. Representation included 14 players from Arunachal Pradesh, 52 from Assam, 7 from Manipur, 16 from Nagaland, 49 from Sikkim, and 9 from Tripura. Mizoram, as the host state, contributed the largest contingent with 103 players. The tournament also featured 24 female participants, reflecting efforts to encourage greater participation among women.

The championship was inaugurated by Dr. Lalhmuchhuaka, Senior Vice President of the Mizoram Chess Association. KW Wajri, President of the NE Chess Forum, and Pu Sharad Agarwal, IPS, DGP, also addressed the event.

The Minister expressed optimism that chess would gain wider recognition in Mizoram and other NE states, encouraging young players to participate actively and develop their skills. The championship aims to promote both competitive excellence and a deeper appreciation for the intellectual benefits of chess.

This year, the championship will be conducted over four days, concluding on December 20, 2025, with multiple rounds to determine the winners across different categories.

The event not only highlights Mizoram’s commitment to sports development but also serves as a platform for young talent from across the Northeast to showcase their skills and engage in healthy competition.