Three Young Mizo Chess Players Represent Mizoram in National Championship

THREE young chess players from Mizoram participated in the National Under-11 Open and Girls Chess Championships 2013, held at the Ludlow Castle Sports Complex, Civil Lines, from September 2-10. A total of 181 players competed in the Open category, while 101 took part in the Girls’ section.

This correspondent visited Team Mizoram at Mizoram House on September 10 and spoke to the young players and their coach.
 
The three participants were LH Zothanmawii (11), daughter of LH Zova, a Class VII student at Government Middle School; Zoramthara (11), son of Mangkaia, a Class V student at Nazareth Academy; and Lalfakzuala (9), son of Lalthuama, a Class IV student at Nazareth Academy. Their coach, Lalthuama, is also from Reiek village, located about 30 kilometres from Aizawl. None of the children’s parents work in government jobs.
 
Zothanmawii has two elder sisters, Zoramthara has an elder brother and sister, while Lalfakzuala is the middle child of three siblings. According to their coach, the three were selected to represent Mizoram at the national level based on their outstanding performances in state-level competitions.
During the visit, this reporter observed the children playing a friendly match under the guidance of their coach. Their skills and enthusiasm were impressive, on par with young players from major cities.
 
Reiek, known for its scenic beauty and tourist attractions such as Reiek Tlang (Reiek Mountain) and Mizo Khua (a model Mizo village), has now emerged as a hub for budding chess players.
 
Jimmy Hegin Lhungdim, principal of Nazareth Academy, Reiek, shared over the phone that his students have excelled in chess tournaments. “Reiek may be a rural village, but the minds of our children are as sharp as those from Aizawl or other big cities. With proper support, they could bring pride to the state at the national and even international level,” he said.
 
However, the lack of experience at the national level proved to be a challenge for the young players. “They were good, but their limited exposure made them nervous during the tournament,” said Coach Lalthuama. On the first day, Lalfakzuala fainted during his match and was rushed to RML Hospital. “If that had not happened, he might have achieved a higher ranking,” his father and coach added.
 
Journey into Chess
Zothanmawii first learned chess by watching her father play. “I started playing with him in 2011,” she shared. She aspires to become a doctor, though chess remains her favourite game.
 
Zoramthara, who started playing in 2009, has set his sights on becoming a Grandmaster. “My brother taught me, but now I am better than him,” he said with confidence.
 
The youngest, Lalfakzuala, dreams of becoming a Chess Master. He began playing in 2010 as a hobby, but now it has become a serious pursuit. His father, a carpenter, is also his coach and accompanies him in his training.
 
Achievements and Challenges
Lalfakzuala won the Mizoram State Level Chess Championship in 2011 (Under-7), receiving a gold medal, certificate, and a cash prize of Rs 1,000. He repeated this feat in 2012 (Under-7) and 2013 (Under-9), winning Rs 3,000. Earlier this year, he also won the 6th North East Rating Chess Championship in Imphal, earning a medal, certificate, and Rs 1,200. His first major title was in 2010 (Under-7), where he won a medal and Rs 500.
 
Zoramthara secured a silver medal and Rs 800 in the 4th North East Chess Championship in 2011 (Shillong), while Zothanmawii won a bronze in the Under-7 category.
 
The team arrived in Delhi on September 1, sponsored by the Mizoram Chess Association, which allocated Rs 26,500 for their expenses. The young players and their coach expressed gratitude for the support but highlighted the need for more resources to help develop their skills.
 
Need for Greater Support
Coach Lalthuama pointed out the stark difference between chess development in Mizoram and other parts of India. “In big cities, regular tournaments help young players sharpen their skills. But in Mizoram, such opportunities are rare,” he said.
 
He urged the Mizoram government to invest in young chess players by providing sponsorships and training under qualified coaches with national and international experience. “If given scholarships or financial support, these children can achieve great success,” he added.
 
He also called for improvements in state-level championships. “The prize money is too low. It should be increased so that young champions can pursue their careers in chess.”
 
Despite their challenges, the young players remain hopeful. “Our kids could not perform at their best due to the pressure of playing in a new environment. If they had more exposure to national tournaments, at least one of them could have won a gold medal,” said Coach Lalthuama, who himself was a promising chess player but had to give it up due to financial difficulties.

A Call to Action
It is time for the Mizoram government to recognise and support its budding chess talents. These young players have the potential to excel but need the right opportunities to grow. Chess is their passion, and with proper backing from the state and its people, they could one day bring glory to Mizoram at the national and international levels.

~ BRUCE K. THANGKHAL 
Special Correspondent 
THE MIZORAM POST | MANIPUR CHRONICLE | ZOGAM TODAY

 

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