Samarth J Rao Shines as Runner-Up at National Chess Championship for Specially-Abled

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, June 29, 2025: Samarth J Rao secured second place at the 5th National Chess Championship for Specially-Abled Players, held from June 24 to 28 in Vizianagaram, Andhra Pradesh. The event was organized by Fire Chess School on behalf of the Chess Federation of Physically Disabled (CFPD) and the All India Chess Federation (AICF).

Samarth J Rao Shines as Runner-Up at National Chess Championship

Rao, an MCom graduate and postal assistant at the Honnavar Post Office under the sports quota, remained unbeaten in the nine-round tournament. He scored seven points with five wins and four draws, competing against 101 differently-abled players from over 13 states.

A two-time national gold medallist (2022 and 2024), Rao narrowly missed achieving a hat-trick of titles. However, his performance secured him a spot on the Indian team for the 24th IPCA World Chess Championship for the Differently-Abled, to be held in Goa from July 21 to 31.

Rao’s father, Jagadish Rao, confirmed his selection and expressed pride in his consistent achievements on the national stage.

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