The Hindu Council of Kenya Chess Tournament held on 26th June 2016 at Hindu Bhavan on Kusi Lane, Parklands was a resounding success with almost 100 players taking part.
Mehul Gohil who was the highest rated player took the top prize to add a 3rd trophy to his collection for 2016 when he scored a perfect 5/5.
This event was organised by the newly formed Youth and Sports wing of Hindu Council of Kenya’s under the directorship of Kumar Sheth and Ravi Shah with technical and logistical support from Motochess Ventures.
The five-round rapid tournament was played in four sections: Open, Under 10, Under 14 and Under 18.
It was interesting to note that this event attracted a number of sponsors who included Mystique Gardens (gift vouchers), Chandaria Industries (gift hampers), South Lemon (gift hampers), Savani’s Book Centre (gift vouchers), Kenafric Industries (sweets for all participants), Motochess Ventures (gift vouchers) and Kavit Shah (envelopes for certificates of participation). This is a welcome development for Kenyan chess.
The high level of organisation was boosted by a low entry fee of KES 300 and provision of refreshments and sweets to all participants.
It was great to see so much chess activity at a new venue in Nairobi which is very easily accessible for players. We do hope to see more chess tournaments being organised by the Hindu Council of Kenya in the near future as they have the network and facilities available.
The Hindu Council of Kenya had many years ago organised a chess tournament at the Oshwal Sports Complex and which was won by Humphrey Andolo & Joseph Kanyingi.
