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Tag: #IndianChess

Chess Olympiad 2026 countdown marked with ceremonial torch handover

Hyderabad, September 15, 2026 – The City of Pearls witnessed a historic moment for Indian chess as Hyderabad became the launchpad for one of the most prestigious events in the chess calendar. In a ceremonial torch handover held today, the official countdown to the Chess Olympiad 2026 began, with the Olympiad flame being passed from Indian chess legends to the host nation Uzbekistan.

A Ceremonial Passing of the Torch

In a symbolic gesture that bridged two nations with rich chess heritage, FIDE Interim President Viswanathan Anand and All India Chess Federation (AICF) President Nitin Narang handed over the ceremonial torch bearing the Olympiad flame to Javokhir Sindarov, the star Uzbek grandmaster and Candidates 2026 winner.

This torch handover marks the beginning of the final countdown to the Chess Olympiad, which will be held in the ancient city of Samarkand, Uzbekistan, from September 15-27, 2026.

India: Defending Champions Eye Historic Double Defense

India enters the tournament as the defending champions in both the Open and Women’s categories, making them the favorites to retain their titles. The Indian contingent will be under immense pressure to uphold the nation’s dominance in team chess, but with a squad brimming with young talent and experienced campaigners, expectations are sky-high.

The Chess Olympiad is the most prestigious team competition in chess, bringing together the world’s best players to compete for national glory. For India, this is not just about defending titles—it’s about cementing the country’s status as a global chess superpower.

The Torch Tradition: From India to Uzbekistan

The Chess Olympiad Torch Ceremony was initiated by FIDE in 2022, modeled after the Olympic flame tradition, to celebrate the global reach of chess and build excitement for the competition.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi began this tradition in India in 2022, and the flame has since traveled across nations, symbolizing the unity and competitive spirit of the chess world.

Nitin Narang, President of the All India Chess Federation, spoke passionately about the significance of the torch relay:

“The Chess Olympiad Torch is a powerful symbol of how the game connects nations and generations. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi began this tradition in India in 2022, and it is special to see the flame now travel from India, the game’s birthplace, to Uzbekistan, two nations with a deep and growing chess culture. We wish Javokhir Sindarov and Uzbekistan the very best as Samarkand prepares to welcome the chess world.”

Samarkand: Where Ancient History Meets Modern Chess

The choice of Samarkand as the host city is deeply symbolic. One of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Central Asia, Samarkand was a crucial hub on the Silk Road and a center of Islamic scholarship and culture.

Now, it will serve as the battleground for the world’s greatest chess minds. The city’s rich history of intellectual pursuit and cultural exchange makes it a fitting venue for this global chess festival.

What to Expect from the 2026 Chess Olympiad

The tournament will feature:

  • Open Section: Teams from over 180 nations competing for the gold
  • Women’s Section: The best female chess players battling for supremacy
  • Rapid and Blitz Events: Additional competitions showcasing fast-paced chess
  • Cultural Exchange: Chess festivals, exhibitions, and educational programs

India’s Strength and Challenges

As defending champions, India will face heightened expectations. The team boasts:

  • Young Prodigies: A new generation of Indian grandmasters who have been dominating the international circuit
  • Experienced Leadership: Veterans who have guided the team through previous Olympiads
  • Depth in Women’s Chess: India’s women’s team has been equally formidable, making the nation a dual threat

However, the competition will be fierce. Nations like Armenia, Norway, the United States, China, and the host nation Uzbekistan will be eager to dethrone India.

Looking Ahead

As the torch travels from Hyderabad to Samarkand, the chess world holds its breath in anticipation. The 2026 Chess Olympiad promises to be a spectacular showcase of talent, strategy, and sportsmanship.

For India, this is more than just a tournament—it’s an opportunity to prove that their 2024 triumph was no fluke and to establish a dynasty in team chess. For Uzbekistan, it’s a chance to showcase their growing chess culture on the world stage.

As the flame burns bright, one thing is certain: Samarkand is ready to welcome the chess world, and the battle for supremacy is about to begin.

May the best team win!

IM Ajay Santhosh Scores Podium Finish in Mumbai, Now Just Two Norms Away from Becoming Grandmaster

Nineteen-year-old IM P. Ajay Santhosh has kept his Grandmaster dream firmly on track with a stellar third-place finish at the 360 One Masters Chess Tournament, held at the World Trade Centre in Mumbai.

Competing in a 56-player field with an average rating of 2356, the Hyderabad-born IM scored 6 points from 9 rounds — finishing behind winner GM Iniyan P (7.5/9) and Russian GM Boris Savchenko (6.5/9). Seeded fourth with a FIDE rating of 2503, Ajay outsmarted several seasoned Grandmasters to claim his spot on the podium.

The Road to Grandmaster

The 19-year-old is now tantalizingly close to the GM title, having already:

  • Crossed the 2500 FIDE rating barrier
  • Secured his first GM norm at the Baku Open 2026 earlier this year

Two more norms stand between him and India’s most coveted chess distinction.

A Packed International Schedule

A grueling international circuit awaits as Ajay pursues his remaining norms:

  • Chola Chess GM Round Robin in Chennai (June 20–28)
  • Chess Festival Ceske Budejovice 2026 in the Czech Republic
  • Paris Masters in France
  • Dole Open in Aix-en-Provence, France

A Campaign Without Institutional Support

Backed by his family and travel sponsor Viyona Fintech, Hyderabad, Ajay is pursuing his title campaign largely without institutional support. The cost of competing across four tournaments on two continents is substantial, and his camp continues to seek corporate backing to sustain one of Indian chess’s most promising GM pursuits.

A Bright Future

Ajay’s performance at the 360 One Masters demonstrates his growing maturity and ability to compete against seasoned Grandmasters. As he embarks on this critical European and domestic circuit, the chess world will be watching closely to see if he can secure the final two norms and join the elite ranks of Indian Grandmasters.

Divith Reddy Adulla Wins World Under-8 Chess Championship

Montesilvano, Italy – A new star has emerged in the world of chess! Divith Reddy Adulla, just 8 years old and hailing from Telangana, India, has become the World Under-8 Chess Champion, clinching the Gold Medal at the 2024 FIDE World Cadet Chess Championship.

The championship, held in Montesilvano, Italy, brought together hundreds of young talents from over 80 countries. In the highly competitive Under-8 Open category, Divith displayed exceptional grit and brilliance, finishing with a formidable score of 9 out of 11 points.

🔥 A Remarkable Journey to the Top

Divith began the tournament with a powerful start, winning his first four games. However, the path wasn’t entirely smooth—he faced back-to-back defeats in rounds five and six. But it was his response to these setbacks that truly showcased his champion spirit. Undeterred, he bounced back magnificently, winning his final five consecutive games, a streak that propelled him to the top of the leaderboard.

His score tied with two other top performers—Sattwik Swain from India and Guo Ziming from China—but based on tie-breaks, Divith emerged as the overall champion, securing the gold medal for India.

🏆 Final Standings – Under-8 Open (Top 3)

PositionPlayerCountryScore
🥇 1st PlaceDivith Reddy AdullaIndia9/11
🥈 2nd PlaceSattwik SwainIndia9/11
🥉 3rd PlaceGuo ZimingChina9/11

🇮🇳 A Proud Moment for India and Telangana

Divith’s victory adds to India’s growing reputation as a chess powerhouse, especially in youth categories. His success reflects the tremendous potential of Indian chess at the grassroots level, supported by parents, coaches, and chess academies across the country.

For Telangana, Divith’s achievement marks a significant milestone, inspiring countless young players from the region to dream big and aim high on the global stage.

👏 Rising Star with a Bright Future

At just eight years of age, Divith has already demonstrated maturity, resilience, and exceptional tactical understanding—qualities that are rare even among much older players. His composure after setbacks and ability to win under pressure suggest a future filled with promise.

Chess lovers and followers across the country are celebrating his triumph, with many calling him a future Grandmaster in the making. As Divith returns home with the gold, his journey will undoubtedly inspire a new generation of young chess enthusiasts.

Congratulations, Divith! The chess world applauds your brilliant performance—and eagerly awaits your next big move.