H Somokanta reclaims Ramnarayan Shastri Memorial Open Chess Tournament title

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Jun 28 : Former champion H Somokanta emerged as the champion of the 8th Ramnarayan Shastri Memorial Open Chess Tournament 2026 that concluded today at Wangkhei High School.
Somokanta, who won his first title back in the 6th edition, sealed his second title of the tournament by securing the highest 8 points in the 9-round tournament participated by 105 athletes.
With the title win, Somokanta walked away Rs 25,000 richer.
Naoremcha Yoihenba made second place finish on 7.5 points followed by Konjengbam Poireikhomba, Kh Sanjoy, and Oinam Ningthem in the third, fourth and fifth places on the same 7 points.
Players who made it to the top 15 and top three in other age groups including veteran and young players were also feted with cash rewards during the closing ceremony.