St Joseph Vaz College, Cortalim, participated in the Goa University Inter-Collegiate Chess (Mix) Championship held from 15th to 16th July 2025 at Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Stadium, Taleigao. The team, comprising five players—Abhishek Thakur, Prajakta Prabhu Gaunker, Raj Singh, Suraj Rathod, and Vidhita Chari—was selected after a week of rigorous practice and trials attended by seven students.

The tournament followed a Swiss-system format with seven rounds of rapid chess (20 minutes per player). Despite limited preparation time, the team secured 10.5 points, finishing 36th out of 45 teams. Prajakta Prabhu Gaunker emerged as the top performer, scoring 4.5 points (3 wins, 1 draw), while Raj Singh contributed 3 points (3 wins). The team’s strongest performance came
in Round 3, where they defeated Goa College of Agriculture 3-1, with wins from Abhishek, Raj, and Suraj. However, challenges such as inexperience and lack of FIDE ratings affected consistency, particularly in losses against stronger teams like Don Bosco College (0-4).

The tournament provided valuable exposure, highlighting the need for longer training periods and more competitive practice. The team’s spirit was captured in their slogan: “Think sharp. Play smart. Checkmate awaits!” Moving forward, participation in local events and structured coaching could enhance future performances.