India-A U-17 Girls Team, featuring Odisha player Ankita Sahoo, has won the gold medal in the Asian School Online Chess Championship, which was organized by National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) at Tornelo Platform from 23 to 25 July, 2021.

This was the first international medal for Ankita, who belongs to Bania Sahi, Cuttack and studies at SAI International School, Bhubaneswar. Daughter of Biranchi Narayan and Smrutireka Sahoo, Ankita takes coaching at King Chess Centre, Cuttack.

Other three players of the India-A U-17 Girls Team were: Bristy Mukherjee, Prachiti Chandratreya and Arushi Kotwal. Asserting almost complete domination, Indian girls teams also won the gold medal in Under-7, Under-9, Under-13 and Under-15 categories.

The only set back India suffered was in the Under-11 division where the team conceded gold to strong Iranian team. India A team consisting of Saparya Ghosh, Shreya Hipparagi, Shubhi Gupta and Aditri Shome settled with first runner-up position.

The Asian School Online Championship in Open category is scheduled to be held from 29 to 31 July, 2021.
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PHOTO: Asian School Online Chess Championship U-17 girls team gold medallist Ankita Sahoo of Odisha on 28 July, 2021.