Staff Reporter
Dona Paula
The internationally acclaimed Goa Purple 24th World IPCA Individual Chess Championship 2024 is set to take place from July 21 to July 31, at the International Centre Goa in Dona Paula. The event will welcome international players to showcase the talent of persons with disabilities in the field of chess.
Speaking at the press conference Minister of social welfare Subhash Phaldessai said the championship has received enthusiastic support from national and international personalities. It reflects India’s efforts to promote an inclusive and accessible sporting environment, bringing global attention to the capabilities and achievements of persons with disabilities.
Minister further said the event shows bigger work to empower individuals with disabilities through sports, education, and employment opportunities. Over the years, the Purple Fest has played a vital role in uplifting people with disabilities by recognizing their potential, skills, and talent, bringing them into the mainstream and offering them the support to shine.
He further said that event draws inspiration from the Purple Fest, Goa’s globally recognized celebration of talent and accomplishments of persons with disabilities. The festival shows the empowering and unifying nature of chess as a sport, giving players from across the world a chance to connect and compete on a shared platform, he added.
Among the international participants are IM Verbano Andrei (Israel), FM Molenda Mersin (Poland), FM Severino Sanda (Philippines), IM Avdochuk Andrei (FIDE), FM Valenta Baklao (Czech Republic), and CM Samarkar (India). Notably, FM Valang Karthik, the Asian Para-Champion from India, will also compete. Representing the host state of Goa, Sanjay Kaurekar and Amrut Naik are also likely to participate.
