Odisha international Soundarya Kumar Pradhan won the coveted title in the 15th AICFB National Chess Championship for Visually Challenged, which concluded at PYC Hindu Gymkhana in Pune, Maharashtra today. He secured 7.5 points out of a possible nine.

This was the maiden National title for 22-year-old Soundarya, who hails from Boden in Nuapada district. He had won the National B gold medal in 2015 and National A bronze medal in 2018.

The National championship assumed greater importance this year as its was organised as an unified National by the All India Chess Federation for the Blind (AICFB).

In the nine-round championship, which commenced on April 5, Soundarya won six games and drew three, including one against former National champion Kishan Gangolli, who settled as runner-up.

Among other Odisha players, Subhendu Kumar Patra (6 points) and Prachurya Kumar Pradhan (5.5) finished ninth and 14th respectively.
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PHOTO: Soundarya Pradhan poses with the trophy after emerging National champion in Pune on 9th April 2022.