Tag: Indian Chess

Sports

International Master Nitish Belurkar Clinches Durga Motors Rapid Chess Tournament 2026

Tanisha Cardozo

Nitish Belurkar emerged victorious at the Durga Motors Rapid Rated Chess Tournament–2026, organised by the Rotary Club of Porvorim at Dr KB Hedgewar High School in Bambolim. The two-day event concluded on Sunday with participation from 260 players, making it one of the largest rapid-rated chess tournaments held in Goa.

Belurkar delivered an outstanding performance, scoring 8.5 points across nine rounds and remaining undefeated throughout the tournament. His consistent play secured him the overall championship title.

The second position was claimed by Niraj Saripalli, who also scored 8 points but finished ahead on superior tie-break scores. Ritviz Parab secured the third position with 8 points.

The annual tournament was organised in association with the Tiswadi Taluka Chess Association and the Goa Chess Association. A total cash prize pool of ₹2.5 lakh was distributed across open and age-group categories.

In addition to the main prizes, winners were recognised in Under-7, Under-9, Under-11, Under-13, and Under-15 categories for both boys and girls. Veteran players aged above 45 years were also felicitated. To encourage emerging talent, cash prizes were awarded to the top five unrated players.

The prize distribution ceremony was attended by Prateek Sapra, owner of Durga Motors and title sponsor, Dr Pramod Dubale, co-sponsor, Harsh Thakkar, President of Rotary Club of Porvorim, and Ashesh Keni, Secretary of Goa State Chess Association. The tournament proceedings were conducted by Chief Arbiter Umesh Naik.

Speaking at the event, Harsh Thakkar stated that the Rotary Club of Porvorim continues to organise the tournament annually with the objective of promoting chess across Goa and nurturing young talent in the sport.

With increasing participation numbers each year, the tournament reflects the growing popularity of chess in Goa and the strengthening of the state’s competitive chess ecosystem.

Business

Titan Launches Limited-Edition Grandmaster Watch Honouring Gukesh Dommaraju as Titan of the Year 2026

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Written by Intern Rency Gomes ||Team Allycaral 

Titan has announced Indian chess sensation Gukesh Dommaraju as its Titan of the Year 2026, marking the occasion with the launch of a limited-edition Grandmaster wristwatch inspired by his historic achievement as the youngest world chess champion.


The special edition timepiece, titled Gukesh x Grandmaster, draws inspiration from the game of chess, featuring an intricate marquetry dial crafted using tiger eye and black agate stones arranged in a chessboard-like pattern. The watch is housed in a high-polished 316L stainless steel case with rose gold plating, complemented by a refined satin finish that enhances its premium appeal.

Powering the watch is Titan’s in-house automatic movement 7ACO, reflecting the brand’s focus on precision engineering and craftsmanship. The model is strictly limited to 500 individually numbered pieces, making it a collector’s edition for watch enthusiasts and chess admirers alike.

Priced at ₹69,995, the limited-edition Grandmaster watch celebrates not only Gukesh Dommaraju’s remarkable journey in international chess but also Titan’s legacy of honouring excellence and timeless achievement.

Sports

Goa’s IM Ethan Vaz Creates History with Gold at National Junior U-19 Chess Championship

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Goa’s young chess prodigy IM Ethan Vaz has created history by becoming the first Goan to clinch the gold medal at the National Junior Under-19 Chess Championship (Open). The prestigious tournament was held in Jamshedpur from December 16 to 24, 2025, and witnessed some of the country’s finest young chess talents in action.

At just 14 years of age, Ethan delivered a sensational performance, scoring an astounding 10.5 points out of a possible 11 rounds. His commanding display saw him finish a remarkable 1.5 points clear of the rest of the field, underlining his dominance throughout the championship.

Ethan’s triumph is being hailed as a landmark achievement for Goan chess, showcasing the State’s growing presence on the national chess map. His composure, tactical sharpness, and consistency against top-rated opponents reflected maturity well beyond his years.

The historic gold medal not only adds a major national title to Ethan Vaz’s growing list of achievements but also serves as an inspiration for young chess players across Goa and India. With this victory, Ethan has firmly established himself as one of the brightest prospects in Indian chess.

Sports

CM Dr. Pramod Sawant Inaugurates FIDE World Cup Chess Match in Goa

Tanisha Cardozo

Goa witnessed a historic moment as Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant made the ceremonial first move in the highly anticipated match between World Champion D. Gukesh and GM Kazybek Nogerbek at the FIDE World Cup. The event was attended by eminent chess personalities, including Viswanathan Anand, GM Abhijeet Kunte, MLA Praveen Arlekar, and other dignitaries, making it a significant occasion for Indian chess.

Speaking at the event, the Chief Minister remarked that hosting such a prestigious global chess tournament is a proud milestone for Goa and reflects the state’s growing importance in international sports. He emphasized that the event not only promotes competitive chess but also inspires young talent in Goa to aspire to global excellence.

The FIDE World Cup match between D. Gukesh and GM Kazybek Nogerbek brought together India’s finest chess talents and international stars, highlighting the nation’s rising stature in the global chess arena. The presence of legends like Viswanathan Anand further elevated the event, making it a memorable experience for players, spectators, and fans.

This historic occasion signifies Goa’s commitment to hosting world-class sporting events, fostering talent, and promoting the state as a hub for cultural and sporting excellence.

Sports

FIDE Chess World Cup 2025 Returns to India After 23 Years, to Be Held in Goa

Tanisha Cardozo

The global spotlight returns to India as the FIDE Chess World Cup 2025 is set to unfold in the scenic coastal state of Goa, marking a monumental return of the tournament to Indian soil after over two decades. Scheduled from October 31 to November 27, the event will be hosted at the plush Resort Rio in Bardez, Arpora — a venue that blends luxury with Goa’s laid-back coastal charm.

A total of 206 elite players from 82 countries will vie for a share of the impressive $2 million prize fund in a nail-biting knockout format. But the stakes go beyond the prize money — the top three finishers will earn a golden ticket to the 2026 Candidates Tournament, the gateway to the World Chess Championship.

Among the notable contenders are household names in world chess: Gukesh D, Arjun Erigaisi, Praggnanandhaa R, Anish Giri, Ian Nepomniachtchi, Vincent Keymer, Hans Niemann, Wesley So, Richard Rapport, Nodirbek Abdusattorov, Vidit Gujrathi, and Nihal Sarin. A special highlight will be 12-year-old Argentinian prodigy Faustino Oro, who is set to become the youngest participant in the tournament’s history.

Indian chess fans have another reason to celebrate with the inclusion of Divya Deshmukh in the Open Section through a wildcard entry, marking a significant step for Indian women in elite chess.

The tournament’s return to India underlines the country’s rapid rise in the global chess hierarchy — not just as a breeding ground for prodigies, but as a serious stage for international events. With recent triumphs from Indian grandmasters and increasing national interest, India is poised to redefine its place on the global chess map.

Adding to the excitement is a culturally immersive logo that blends Goa’s signature symbols — a palm tree swaying over a blue wave, a red checkered chessboard, and a yellow sun radiating warmth — creating a visual identity that is as vibrant as the host state itself.

Further elevating the spirit is the official anthem, sung by iconic Indian artist Daler Mehendi. The song celebrates India not only as a host but as a protagonist in global chess. Through the lens of key players — Tania Sachdev, Gukesh, Humpy Koneru, and Vidit — the anthem embodies the pillars of Indian chess: talent, tradition, intellect, and inspiration.

With the perfect blend of tradition, talent, and tropical beauty, the FIDE Chess World Cup 2025 in Goa is set to be more than a tournament — it will be a celebration of chess, culture, and India’s enduring rise on the global stage.