Odisha chess player Sambit Panda secured his 2nd International Master (IM) norm in the Dubai Open International Chess Tournament, which was organised by Dubai Chess & Cultural Club in Dubai (UAE) from 27 August to 4 September 2022. He was also awarded as the best player in 2300-2400 rating category.

Sambit finished 30 th in the final rankings with six points from nine rounds. He won four games, drew four and lost one. Bhubaneswar player Sambit posted two of his four wins against Grand Masters Sandro Mareco (Argentina) and Tejas Kumar MS (India) in the eighth and ninth round respectively. In his fourth game, Sambit held GM Adly Ahmed of Egypt to a draw.

Sambit had achieved his first IM norm in Senior National Open Tournament in Kanpur (Uttar Pradesh). He needs another one more norm to get his International Master title.

All Odisha Chess Association (AOCA) President Govinda Chandra Mohapatra, Secretary Debabrata Bhatta and All India Chess Federation (AICF) Joint-Secretary Ranjan Mohanty have congratulated Sambit for his IM norm.