Nepal champion Badrilal Nepali rated 2162, former Nepal champions Keshav Shrestha rated 2134, Nabin Tandukar rated 2133, Willam Lal Shrestha rated 2106 and the only FIDE Master Manish Hamal rated 2086 will contest in the tournament. Nepal Chess Association (NCA) treasurer Krishna Prasad Shrestha is the official of the Nepali squad.
Nabin Tandukar is returning in chess after seven years breaking his retirement. If he becomes successful to increase 50-60 rating points he will become the second FIDE Master from Nepal. Likewise, if any of the Nepali player beats three IM in the tournament than he will get the norms for the FIDE Master.
More than 2100 rated players will participate in the tournament to be held until tenth round in the league cum knockout basis. The total cash prize of the tournament is US$5,000.
NCA President Rajesh Hari Joshi wished for their good performance and bade farewell to the team amidst a function in the capital on Sunday.
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