By I. Inojales | 08:11 AM May 26, 2026
TAGBILARAN CITY — A young chess player from Bohol delivered the first gold medal for Central Visayas in the ongoing Palarong Pambansa 2026 after helping the region dominate the Chess Blitz Team Event.
Kristina Concepcion Belano, a standout student-athlete from Calape National High School, played a crucial role in Central Visayas’ championship run during the country’s premier national school sports competition organized by the Department of Education.
Belano delivered key victories on her assigned board, helping propel the Region VII squad to the gold medal finish against some of the country’s top regional teams.
Chess blitz is a fast-paced format of the game where players compete under strict time controls, requiring quick calculations, sharp tactics, and composure under pressure. In team competitions, each player’s result contributes to the team’s overall score.
Officials and supporters praised Belano for her calmness and precision throughout the tournament, saying her performance proved vital in securing the title for Central Visayas.
The victory also marked a historic achievement for Bohol as Belano etched her name in the province’s sports history by helping deliver Central Visayas’ first gold medal in this year’s Palarong Pambansa.
Her triumph brought pride not only to Calape National High School but also to the entire Bohol delegation and the Central Visayas contingent competing in Agusan del Sur.
