Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Goa University secured third place at the All India University (AIU) West Zone Inter-University Women’s Chess Championship 2026-27, held at Shri Jagdishprasad Jhabarmal Tibrewala University in Chudela, Jhunjhunu, Rajasthan, from October 12 to 16.
Goa University delivered a consistent performance throughout the eight-round tournament, finishing with six wins, one draw and one defeat to collect 13 match points. The team finished behind Ahmedabad University, which topped the standings with a perfect record of eight victories, and Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, which secured second place.
Goa University began its campaign strongly, registering convincing 4-0 victories against Hemchandracharya North Gujarat University and Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University). The team also defeated RTM Nagpur University 3-1, Savitribai Phule Pune University 2½-1½ and Shivaji University 3½-½.
A 2-2 draw against Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University further strengthened Goa’s position in the standings. Their only defeat came against eventual champions Ahmedabad University, which edged past Goa 2½-1½.
Goa University finished with 24 game points, narrowly behind the second-placed team, which accumulated 24½ game points. The result highlighted the competitive nature of the championship, with the leading teams separated by small margins.
Adding to the team’s achievement, Gunjal Chopdekar won the Fourth Board Prize for her performance during the competition.
Ahmedabad University claimed the championship title with 16 match points, followed by Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University in second place with 13 match points. Goa University secured third place, while Savitribai Phule Pune University finished fourth.
The podium finish marks a significant achievement for Goa University women’s chess, reflecting the team’s determination, coordination and competitive strength at the inter-university level.
