Tag: Indian Chess

Sports

Shaunak Badole & WCM Deekshitha Modipalli Crowned Champions at 38th National U-13 Chess Championship in Margao

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Margao, Goa: The 38th National Under-13 Chess Championship 2025 concluded in grand style at Daivadnya Bhavan, Margao, with Maharashtra’s Shaunak Badole and Telangana’s WCM Deekshitha Modipalli crowned champions in the Open and Girls’ categories, respectively.

Badole (Elo 2086) outplayed Kerala’s Arush A (2105) in the final round to secure the Open crown with an unbeaten score of 10 points. He received a trophy and ₹80,000. Karnataka’s Siddhanth Poonja (2215) and CM Madhvendra Pratap Sharma (2187) of Madhya Pradesh claimed second and third positions. Maharashtra’s Siddhant Salunke and Gujarat’s Shubh Atha completed the top five.

In the Girls’ section, WCM Deekshitha (1934) drew with Gujarat’s Arpita Patankar to clinch the title with 9.5 points. She too received a trophy and ₹80,000. Maharashtra’s Mysha Perwez (9 points) finished second, while West Bengal’s Maitreyi Mondal (8.5 points) secured third place. Andhra Pradesh’s WCM Aamuktha Guntaka and Sravyasree Bheemarasetty rounded off the top five.

Goa’s best performances came from Joshua Mark Telles (38th, 7.5 points) in the Open and Asmi Amit Terse (38th, 7 points) in the Girls’ event.

The tournament saw a record 597 participants from across India, making it one of the largest in the championship’s history. The closing ceremony was graced by Chief Guest Minister for Public Works Digambar Kamat, who released the tournament souvenir. The event also saw the presence of All India Chess Federation’s Ajit Verma and officials from the Goa Chess Association.

The championship not only showcased the exceptional talent of India’s young chess prodigies but also reaffirmed Margao’s growing reputation as a host city for national-level sporting events.

Events in Goa

Goa to Host Historic FIDE World Cup 2025 with 206 Players and $2 Million Prize Pool

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo

Chess returns to the global spotlight as the FIDE World Cup 2025 heads to Goa, India, from October 30 to November 27. In a high-stakes, eight-round knockout format, 206 of the world’s strongest players will compete for a $2 million prize fund and three coveted spots in the 2026 Candidates Tournament.

India’s chess rise has been nothing short of meteoric. Last year, Gukesh Dommaraju stunned the world by becoming World Champion. More recently, Divya Deshmukh captured the Women’s World Cup title, marking a new era in Indian chess. With both the Open and Women’s teams winning gold at the Chess Olympiad, India has firmly established itself as a global powerhouse.

 Goa, known for its serene beaches, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality, offers the perfect backdrop for this world-class tournament. For fans, it’s the ideal setting to witness elite chess alongside a rich cultural experience. For players, it’s a unique blend of focus and inspiration.

Tournament Format

  • Dates: October 30 – November 27, 2025
  • Players: 206
  • Format: Eight-round knockout
  • Top 50 seeds start in Round 2
  • Match Structure: Two classical games; if tied, rapid & blitz playoffs
  • Top 3 Finishers: Qualify for the 2026 Candidates Tournament

Leadership Statements

Arkady Dvorkovich, FIDE President:

“India has become one of the strongest chess nations. Hosting the World Cup in Goa is a celebration of this growth and the global appeal of chess.”

Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India:

“India is delighted to host the prestigious FIDE World Cup 2025. I am sure this tournament will showcase thrilling matches and the brilliance of top players from around the world.”

Nitin Narang, AICF President:

“This is a proud moment for Indian chess. The World Cup in Goa will inspire millions and reflect India’s stature as a global hub for the game.”

 With more than 90 countries expected to be represented, the FIDE World Cup 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most widely watched and celebrated chess events in history.

Chess fans around the world—mark your calendars. Goa is calling, and the board is set.

Sports

Arjun Erigaisi Holds Second Place at Quantbox Chennai Grand Masters After Win Over Ray Robson

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Indian chess sensation Arjun Erigaisi continues to shine on the global stage. The World No. 5 Grandmaster from India scored an impressive victory over American GM Ray Robson in the third round of the Quantbox Chennai Grand Masters Tournament, consolidating his position in sole second place on the leaderboard.

After three rounds, Erigaisi is just behind German GM Vincent Keymer, who currently leads the tournament standings. The victory over Robson showcased Erigaisi’s precision, patience, and tactical brilliance — hallmarks of his rise in the world chess elite.

The Chennai Grand Masters is bringing together some of the finest minds in the sport, and Erigaisi’s performance has reinforced India’s growing dominance in the global chess arena. With several rounds still to go, fans are eagerly watching to see if the 20-year-old can challenge Keymer for the top spot and take home the prestigious title.

Sports

Divya Deshmukh Crowned FIDE Women’s World Cup Champion, Becomes Grandmaster

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Batumi, Georgia | July 2025 – In a stunning display of strategic brilliance and poise, Divya Deshmukh clinched the FIDE Women’s World Cup 2025, becoming only the 4th Indian woman to be awarded the Grandmaster title.

Facing off against the seasoned Indian chess icon Humpy Koneru in the finals, Divya’s victory marks a new era in Indian chess — one where youth, determination, and intellect are rewriting the narrative.

At just 18, Divya has already been turning heads in the chess world, but this landmark win in Batumi, Georgia cements her place among India’s greatest. Her rise is also a testament to the growing strength of women in Indian sports, particularly in the highly competitive world of chess.

The FIDE World Cup win is not only a personal triumph but a national celebration, inspiring a new generation of chess enthusiasts across the country.

As messages pour in from sporting icons, political leaders, and fans worldwide, Divya Deshmukh’s moment of glory is a proud chapter in India’s sporting history.

📖 Read the full story on allycaral.com

Sports

Divya Deshmukh Enters Semi-Finals of FIDE Women’s World Cup 2025, Joins Koneru Humpy

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Batumi, Georgia | July 16, 2025: India’s rising chess star International Master Divya Deshmukh has etched her name into the history books by advancing to the semi-finals of the FIDE Women’s World Cup 2025, becoming only the second Indian woman ever to do so.

Joining her in the Final 4 is none other than Grandmaster Koneru Humpy, making it a historic occasion for Indian chess — with two Indian women fighting for a spot in the final on the global stage.

Divya’s journey to the semi-finals has been marked by tactical brilliance, calm under pressure, and a maturity beyond her years. Her performances have captured the attention of the global chess community and renewed India’s dominance in women’s chess.

The 2025 FIDE Women’s World Cup, held in Batumi, Georgia, has seen fierce competition among the world’s best, and Divya’s advancement is a testament to India’s growing bench strength in international chess.

In a post-match interaction, Divya expressed her gratitude and excitement, saying, “It’s an honour to represent India at this level. Every game is a new challenge, and I’m thrilled to have made it to the semis.”

With Humpy and Divya both in the semis, India has doubled its chances for gold and reaffirmed its place as a global chess powerhouse.

The chess world now eagerly awaits the semi-final clashes as India watches with pride.

Stay tuned for more updates from FIDE Women’s World Cup 2025.