A tournament that keeps growing

The Mind Champions Challenge started on 25th November 2023 at our Mumbai club. It was the Lions Club's way of celebrating India's visually impaired chess players and the medals they had won for the country. The tournament has come back every edition since.

  • 1st edition, November 2023: 44 players took part. Swapnil Shah and top seed Aryan Joshi both finished on 4.5/5, and Swapnil took the title on tie-break. (Preview | Standings)

  • 2nd edition, February 2025: 35 players took part. Swapnil won again, this time after a tense tie-break against Rohit Jadhav. (Report)

  • 3rd edition, February 2026: about 36 players took part. Rohit Jadhav won the title with 4.5/5, and Swapnil Shah and Gaurav Khetre finished second and third. (Report)

Swapnil has won two of the three editions and has finished in the top two every time. In the 4th edition, he goes for a third title, Rohit looks to defend his crown, and someone new could still beat them both.

The game that kept everyone hooked in 2025! | Photo: Abhyudaya Ram

The people behind it

The Lions Club of Bombay Uptown has been the driving force behind this event. Its members don't just fund it. They spend the whole day at the venue, talk to every player and their families, and watch the games closely. AICFB handles registrations, provides the Braille chess sets and makes sure the tournament runs smoothly. Phoenix Marketcity provides the venue for all the club's activities: Atrium 5.

Jayshree Shah and Dharmen Shah presenting the certificate and goodies bag to a player.

How visually impaired players play chess

Players use a special Braille board. The black squares are slightly raised, and every piece is pegged into a hole so it stays in place when touched. They announce their moves out loud and feel the position to follow the game. It takes a lot of concentration, and the players keep the whole game in their heads.

Braille Chess board for visually impaired chess players!

Tournament details

  • Tournament: Mind Champions Challenge 4th Edition, Rapid Chess Tournament for Visually Impaired Players

  • Venue: Phoenix ChessBase India Chess Club, Atrium 5, Phoenix Marketcity, Kurla, Mumbai

  • Date and time: Saturday 17th October 2026, [11 AM – 5 PM IST]

  • Format: 5/6-round Swiss depending on number of players.

  • Time control: 15 minutes + 10 seconds increment from move one

  • Total prize fund: Rs. 50,000

Entry fee: Free

Registrations : Click here

Come cheer for them

Everyone is welcome to watch. Spending an afternoon with these players changes how you see what is possible. If you're in Mumbai on 17th October, come to Atrium 5 and support them. We'll publish the chess-results link once pairings are ready, and a full report will follow after the event.

Your contribution matters!

Every edition of the Mind Champions Challenge has relied on the generosity of people who believe in these players. This year we're looking for help in two ways.

Call for F&B partners
We're looking for a food and beverage partner to sponsor lunch for about 70–75 players on tournament day. For many participants, the day starts early with a long trip across Mumbai or even from other cities. A good meal between rounds makes a big difference. If your restaurant, café or brand would like to support the event, we'd love to hear from you. Your support will be acknowledged at the venue and in our coverage of the event.

Call for volunteers
We also need volunteers to help players through the day: guiding them around the venue, taking them to the washrooms, helping them at lunch and making sure they're settled at their boards before each round. You don't need to know chess, just some patience and a few hours on 17th October. Many volunteers from past editions say it was one of the most rewarding days they've had at the club.

To partner or volunteer, contact:

Whatsapp our Events Coordinator