The All India Chess Federation (AICF) has released quarterly stipends totaling ₹42.3 lakh to 42 top young Indian chess players (U7-U19), aiming to alleviate financial burdens for training and competition, as part of a grassroots development plan.
FIDE and World Chess launched a two-year pilot, "First Rating Experiment," allowing online play for initial OTB blitz and rapid ratings up to 1,800 Elo. This move, aimed at democratizing chess, has divided Indian Grandmasters, with some welcoming it as barrier-breaking and others fearing it compromises the rating system's credibility due to cheating concerns.
Indian chess prodigy Pranesh Munirethinam faces uncertainty over his participation in the FIDE World Team Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships in Hong Kong due to a visa delay. Coach RB Ramesh has appealed for urgent assistance to expedite the process.
Aravindh Chithambaram, a 26-year-old Grandmaster from Madurai, has become the first Indian to qualify for the 2026 Esports Chess World Cup in Paris after months of failed attempts. His journey began at age eight, supported by his mother and grandfather after his father's passing.
Aravindh Chithambaram, a 26-year-old Grandmaster from Madurai, has become the first Indian to qualify for the 2026 Esports Chess World Cup in Paris after months of failed attempts. His journey, marked by family support and mentorship, highlights the proverb 'Patience is the key'.
Abhijeet Gupta has alleged that his Rs 5.5 lakh winner’s prize from the Odisha GM Open, held in January 2026 with a Rs 45 lakh prize pool, remains unpaid. The Arjuna Awardee criticised organisers and the All India Chess Federation for a lack of accountability, saying repeated emails went unanswered. Gupta urged authorities to protect the “dignity and trust” of Indian chess players.
Abhijeet Gupta has alleged that his Rs 5.5 lakh winner’s prize from the Odisha GM Open, held in January 2026 with a Rs 45 lakh prize pool, remains unpaid. The Arjuna Awardee criticised organisers and the All India Chess Federation for a lack of accountability, saying repeated emails went unanswered. Gupta urged authorities to protect the “dignity and trust” of Indian chess players.
Abhijeet Gupta has alleged that his Rs 5.5 lakh winner’s prize from the Odisha GM Open, held in January 2026 with a Rs 45 lakh prize pool, remains unpaid. The Arjuna Awardee criticised organisers and the All India Chess Federation for a lack of accountability, saying repeated emails went unanswered. Gupta urged authorities to protect the “dignity and trust” of Indian chess players.
Abhijeet Gupta has alleged that his Rs 1 lakh winner’s prize from the Odisha GM Open, held in January 2026 with a Rs 45 lakh prize pool, remains unpaid. The Arjuna Awardee criticised organisers and the All India Chess Federation for a lack of accountability, saying repeated emails went unanswered. Gupta urged authorities to protect the “dignity and trust” of Indian chess players.
Eight-year-old Tamizh Amudhan from Tamil Nadu defeated World No. 7 grandmaster Vincent Keymer (Elo 2759) in the first round of an online Freestyle Friday blitz tournament. Playing in darkness during a power cut in Thiruthangal near Sivakasi, the young prodigy used candlelight and his father's mobile hotspot to compete, eventually winning three of five rounds before his laptop battery died. Tamizh, currently World No. 1 in the Under-9 category, trains at Hatsun Chess Academy after his family relocated 350 km from Kallakurichi.
Eight-year-old Tamizh Amudhan, World No. 1 in the under-9 category, defeated World No. 7 Vincent Keymer (ELO 2759) during the opening round of the Freestyle Friday online chess championship. Playing in Thiruthangal, Sivakasi, the young prodigy managed the victory despite a power outage caused by heavy rain, using only a candle and mobile phone torch to light his laptop. With just 48% battery, he played four more rounds winning two before his laptop died. Tamizh, who became the youngest player to cross 2000+ Elo rating in February, trains at Hatsun Chess Academy.
