How Chess Helped Me Through Cancer and Recovery

This article talks about how a frightening diagnosis unfolds into an unexpected but tender journey. Ariana Hinckley-Boltax is diagnosed with cancer and undergoes surgeries and chemotherapy. During such an uncertain period, chess became an escape and a comfort zone for her. Her dream of attending the World Rapid and Blitz Championships 2025 leads her to Doha, where the experience proves far more beautiful than she imagined. Her mission was to get her chessboard signed by the players. Read on to see how things unfolded and whether she was finally able to fulfil her wish.

Photos: Ariana Hinckley-Boltax

88th Tata Steel 2026 R12: Uzbek domination in Wijk Aan Zee

In the penultimate round of the Tata Steel Masters 2026, Nodirbek Abdusattorov took a massive leap towards the title. After starting the day tied with his fellow countryman Javokhir Sindarov, Abdusattorov stands alone at the top of the leaderboard with 8.0/12. Nodirbek Abdusattorov played a masterful game with the White pieces against Germany's Matthias Bluebaum. Javokhir Sindarov played a quick draw against Praggananandha and currently he's in second place. Round 13 starts today at 2 p.m. local time, 6:30 p.m. IST for both Masters and Challengers section. Photo: Lennart Ootes/Tata Steel Chess

Riyan Amit Shah Clear First at 2nd Chesskraft Academy Below 1800 Classical

The 2nd Chesskraft Academy All India Below 1800 FIDE Rating Classical Chess Tournament 2025 was organized by Chesskraft Chess Academy at Swami Vivekanand International School, near Country Club, Kandivali West, Mumbai, from 9th to 11th January 2026. Riyan Amit Shah scored 8.5/9 to secure first place in the event. Riyan was unbeaten throughout the event and had one draw in the last round. Kagwade Kavish scored 8/9 to secure second place in the event. Three Players scored 7.5/9, but Lakshya Agrawal secured third place because of better tiebreaks. The top 3 Prizes were 40,000/-, 25,000/-, and 15,000/- respectively. Photos: Ravindra Potwad

Journey of Ambit Chess Club as it completes one year

Last year, on 18th January 2025, Ambit Chess Club was launched. As it completes one year, this article captures the journey of a space that grew from a cafeteria corner into a vibrant chess club. It reflects how community and competition can coexist beautifully under one roof. Mitali Naik, the Club Manager at Ambit Chess Club, takes you through the club’s first year, sharing moments, milestones, and the people who shaped its journey. The club carries a welcoming energy that makes everyone feel at home.

Remembering IM Arun Vaidya (1949-2025) - a strong chess player and coach

On 24th of December 2025, one of the gems of Indian chess passed away - IM Arun Vaidya. He was India's 7th IM and had represented the country at the Chess Olympiad 1984 in Thessaloniki, Greece. Apart from being a competent chess player, he was also a wonderful chess coach, helping the careers of many strong players. We speak about his life, his achievements and also have tributes from some of the greats of Indian chess - GM Vishy Anand, Pravin Thipsay and more.

Leon Luke Mendonca wins Muscat Nights International Open 2026, Pranesh M second

GM Leon Luke Mendonca, GM Pranesh M, GM Arkadij Naiditsch (BUL), GM Mikhail Mozharov, IM Mayank Chakraborty and GM Adly Ahmed (EGY) scored 6.5/9 each at Muscat Nights International Open A (>2000). Leon won the tournament on tie-breaks. The remaining four were placed second to fifth according to tie-breaks. Both Leon and Pranesh remained undefeated. Total prize fund was US$ 24500. The top three prizes were US$ 6000 + trophy + medal, 4000 and 3000 each. Raghav Srivasthav V scored 8/9, finished a half point ahead of others to win Open B (<2000). He received US$ 2000 + trophy + medal. Mayank won the Blitz Rating Open scoring an unbeaten 10/11 and finished ahead of the rest by a full point. GM Adham Fawzy (EGY), Pranesh and FM Radin Yadegar (IRI) scored 9/11 each. They were placed second to fourht respectively. The top three in Blitz were US$ 400 + trophy + medal, $300 and $200 each. Photo: Oman Chess Committee

Sardinia World Chess Festival 2026: Registration Starts

There are only a few tournaments on the international chess calendar that manage to establish their identity in such a short span of time. The Sardinia World Chess Festival is undoubtedly one of them.After two highly successful editions, the festival is set to return once again from 3 May to 10 May 2026, offering a total prize fund of €50,100. From its very first editions, the event earned a strong reputation for excellent playing conditions, high organizational standards, a well-equipped tournament hall, and attractive prize money.

The tournament will once again be hosted at the beautiful ITI Marina Beach Hotel & Resort, located in Orosei, right next to the Sardinian coastline. The natural seaside setting, relaxing atmosphere, and comfortable accommodation make this venue truly special and memorable for all participants.

Overall, this is a destination tournament that players genuinely look forward to returning to. Once again, chess enthusiasts will have the chance to take part in the Sardinia World Chess Festival 2026, with events organized in three categories, as in previous editions. Full details are available in the article below.

Empowering Teachers, Inspiring Students: FIDE Chess in Education at Madras Christian College

FIDE Chess in Education Commission (CIE), in partnership with the Emmanuel Chess Centre, inaugurated Chess in Education - Preparation of Teachers' (PoT) course at Madras Christian College (Autonomous). The three-day intensive training was held by WIM Rita Atkins and Dr. Ebenezer Joseph from 22nd to 24th January 2026 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu. Check out Joseph's account of the seminar and get to know how chess is impacting the lives of people far beyond the 64 squares, titles, trophies and triumphs. Photos: CM FT SLI Ebenezer Joseph

88th Tata Steel 2026 R11: Sindarov beats Arjun to join the lead with Abdusattorov

The FIDE World Cup 2025 winner, Javokhir Sindarov (UZB) defeated World no.5, Arjun Erigaisi to join the lead at the conclusion of Round 11 at 88th Tata Steel Masters 2026. Sindarov is now coleader of his compatriot, Nodirbek Abdusattorov (UZB) who drew his game against Jorden van Foreest (NED). R Praggnanandhaa suffered his third loss of the event, this time against Vincent Keymer (GER). The World Champion, D Gukesh drew against Aravindh Chithambaram. Hans Niemann (USA) won a thrilling game against Thai Dai Van Nguyen (CZE) to move to 6.5/11, a half point behind Sindarov and Abdusattorov. Round 12 starts today at 2 p.m. local time, 6:30 p.m. IST for both Masters and Challengers section. Photo: Lennart Ootes / Tata Steel Chess

One Game a Day, Play Pure Classical Chess in March

At present, fast-paced chess formats are gaining dominance in the chess world, but even today, if we want to witness the finest games of chess, classical chess remains the format we consider the best. As part of the ongoing Khelo Chess India movement in Bhopal for the last three consecutive years, we are bringing our second Classical FIDE-rated tournament as the next international FIDE event. The tournament will be held from 23 March to 31 March.

This competition will be played on the one-round-per-day principle, in line with world-class international events, giving players ample opportunity to analyze their games, rest properly, and prepare for the next round—allowing us to witness their best possible performance.

The tournament will feature a total prize fund of ₹1,50,000, with 128 players competing on 64 boards, playing 9 rounds under the Swiss system. Registrations have already begun, so if you wish to experience true classical chess, register at the earliest.

So far, Khelo Chess India has successfully completed 75 events.

Ananthi Chess Academy invites you to 13th National Amateur Championships 2026

The 13th National Amateur Chess Championships 2026 will take place from 25th February to 1st March at Adhiyamaan College of Engineering in Hosur, Tamil Nadu. Ananthi Chess Academy, the organizer of the event, invites you to take part in it. There are three rating categories - Below 2300, 2000 and 1700 in both Open and Women section. The total prize fund is ₹300000. The top three prizes are ₹20000 + trophy, ₹17000 and ₹14000 in U2300 Open, ₹16000 + trophy, ₹14000 and ₹10000 in Under-2000 Open, ₹12000 + trophy, ₹9000 and ₹7000 in U1700 Open. For Women, the top three prizes are ₹10000 + trophy, ₹6000 and ₹5000 in U2300 and U2000 Women, ₹8000 + trophy, ₹6000 and ₹5000 in U1700 Women. Last date to receive entry is 11th February 2026. Several Indians have won various medals at World and Asian Amateur events. This is the gateway to those events. Read the article to know more about the events. Photo: Tournament circular

Shakya Singha Modak clear first at Tata Steel Chess Festival 2026 Under-19 Rapid

Shakya Singha Modak scored an unbeaten 8/9 to win Tata Steel Chess Festival 2026 Under-19 Rapid. He finished a half point ahead of the rest. Four players - WFM Saparya Ghosh, Aahil Patra, Somiddho Rajbanshi and Archit Mohapatra scored 7.5/9 each. They secured second to fifth place according to tie-breaks. The two-day nine-round Under-19 Rapid tournament was organized by Dhanuka Dhunseri Dibyendu Barua Chess Academy at Dhono Dhanyo Auditorium in Kolkata, West Bengal on 10th and 11th January 2026. The total prize fund was ₹51000 + trophies. Top three prizes in Open and Girls were ₹10000 + trophy, ₹6000 and ₹4000 each respectively. This was Shakya's first tournament triumph of the year. Photos: Shahid Ahmed

Hyderabad is all set to host its next big event - 2nd Aspiring Minds International Rapid Rated Open 2026

The city of Hyderabad is all set to witness another major chess event. After a huge success of the first edition conducted in May 2025 which attracted 785 participants across the  country, Aspiring Minds Chess Academy team led by renowned coach and player IM FT Ravi Teja, has announced its 2nd edition on 14th & 15th February 2026. The total cash prize for the two day event is Rs. 4,00,000 with the 1st prize of Rs.60,000. The tournament will be held at the Saroornagar Indoor Stadium, Dilsukhnagar, Hyderabad, Telangana.

Liam Putnam wins 51st Ciudad de Sevilla Open 2026, Aronyak Ghosh third

IM Liam Putnam (USA) and GM Praveen Balakrishnan (USA) scored an unbeaten 8/9 each at 51st Ciudad de Sevilla International Open 2026. Liam won the tournament on tie-breaks, Praveen had to settle for second place. IM Aronyak Ghosh scored sole 7.5/9 to finish third. He also remained undefeated. GM P Shyaam Nikhil, GM Sayantan Das, GM Vignesh N R and IM Shahil Dey scored 7/9 each. They were placed fifth to eighth respectively according to tie-breaks. The total prize fund was €10500. The top three prizes were €2000, €1500 and €1000 along with a trophy each. Shyaam won the Blitz Rating Open 6/7. Vignesh also scored the same. He was placed second on tie-breaks. Photo: Ismael Nieto

88th Tata Steel 2026 R10: Gukesh bounces back again

The World Champion, D Gukesh bounced back once again in Round 10 of 88th Tata Steel Masters 2026. Gukesh joked about teaching a lesson to the 14-year-old as he lost few games against the stronger players when he was a 13/14-year-old. He also praised how Yagiz became stronger in the last year. Nodirbek Abdusattorov (UZB) drew his game against Vladimir Fedoseev (SLO) to maintain his sole lead 6.5/10. Jorden van Foreest (NED) drew against Javokhir Sindarov (UZB). Both of them maintain their pursuit at 6/10 each. Matthias Bluebaum (GER) scored his second consecutive win to cross 2700 in the live ratings for the first time in his career. Bluebaum crushed Anish Giri who opted for a sharp line. World no.4 Vincent Keymer (GER) got the better of World no.5 Arjun Erigaisi. Aravindh Chithambaram scored his first win of the event against the Czech Republic no.1, Thai Dai Vang Nguyen after the former made a bold practical decision in the endgame. Today is the last rest day. Round 11 starts tomorrow Friday 30th January at 2 p.m. local time, 6:30 p.m. IST for both Masters and Challengers section. Photo: Lennart Ootes / Tata Steel Chess