Reku Haikam receives awards at 23rd North Eastern States Chess Championship 2025.
NCA to host 24th North Eastern States Chess Championship
Kohima, December 22 (MExN): The Nagaland Chess Association (NCA) has participated at the 23rd North Eastern States Chess Championship 2025 from December 16 to 20, hosted by Mizoram Chess Association at R Denthuama Indoor Stadium, Mualpui, Aizawl, Mizoram.
The championship was conducted in a 9-round Swiss League system.
In the Open Category, out of the total 9 points, Tanmay Rajbongshi from Assam with 8 points became the Champion. Iftikar Alom Mazumdar from Assam with 7.5 points secured second position.
Lalrinsanga C from Mizoram with 7.5 points bagged the third position.
In open category, participants from Nagaland- Kevilekho Zumvu and Melesai Dawhuo secured 6 points each, followed by 5.5 points each by Salhuto Nyekha and Kehung Haikam while Khriebeizo Nagi finished 5 points, Heilamgumbe (4.5 points) and Ropfuvilie Nagi (4 points).
In other categories, Vesho Doulo secured 4.5 points), Jitihto Nyekha and Ilung Haikam (4 points each), Jeremy Nitova Zhimomi and Akangzang Haikam (3.5 points each), Khrieto Terhuja (3), Reku Haikam (2.5), Damain Lyngdoh (2) and Zhasazo Nagi (1.5).
In Under 7 Years category, Reku Haikam from Nagaland, made a remarkable impact in his very first rated classical chess tournament.
Displaying extraordinary tactical brilliance, he rose above expectations and etched Nagaland’s name into the records of the North Eastern Chess Championship 2025 by securing 3rd position in the Under-7 category.
In another equally unexpected and inspiring turn of events, Jeremy Nitova Zhimomi, an Under-9 category player who began playing chess just five months ago under the coaching of Dipankar, delivered an outstanding performance.
Paired against six strong rated opponents with ratings of 1671, 1666, 1634, 1538, and 1445, along with an unrated player who scored 3.5 points, Jeremy faced challenges that few would have imagined him matching at this stage.
Yet, with remarkable composure and courage, he held his ground and managed a draw against the highly rated Dyanam Gogoi of Assam (1634)—a result that stunned his opponent and left the entire team in awe.
Meanwhile, NCA congratulated Reku Haikam and all the Nagaland players for giving their best in the tournament.
Senior National Arbiter Mengise Haikam officiated as the arbiter along with others and Vekukho Soho, Honorary Secretary, NCA was the Team Manager of NCA during the Championship.
Meanwhile, the next 24th North Eastern States Chess Championship 2026 will be hosted by NCA.
