Ved Phaur's wins bronze
11-year-old Ved Neeraj Phaur from Nagpur, Maharashtra, has brought pride to India by winning the bronze medal at the 13th IBCA World Junior Chess Championship for the Visually Challenged 2026, held in Crete, Greece, from 3 to 13 October 2026. Ved scored an impressive 6.5 points out of nine rounds to finish third in the international competition, showcasing the immense potential of young visually impaired chess players in India.
The gold medal was won by Michal Racis of Poland with 7.5 points, while William Johansson of Sweden secured the silver medal with 7.5 points. Ved finished third with 6.5 points, earning a place on the world championship podium at an exceptionally young age.
Rk. | Name | FED | Rtg | Pts. | TB1 | TB2 | TB3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | POL | 2067 | 7,5 | 44 | 48 | 37,5 | |
2 | SWE | 2139 | 7,5 | 43,5 | 46,5 | 38,5 | |
3 | IND | 1700 | 6,5 | 44,5 | 48 | 30,5 | |
4 | UKR | 1691 | 6 | 45,5 | 48,5 | 29,5 | |
5 | KAZ | 1902 | 5 | 46 | 50 | 26,25 | |
6 | IND | 1646 | 5 | 45 | 48 | 21 | |
7 | POL | 1908 | 5 | 40,5 | 43 | 18,75 | |
8 | POL | 1924 | 5 | 40 | 43 | 21,25 | |
9 | IND | 1642 | 4,5 | 43 | 46 | 17 | |
10 | IND | 1845 | 4,5 | 37 | 39,5 | 17,25 |
Ved's achievement is particularly noteworthy given his growing record in domestic competitions. He won the AICFB National Junior Chess Championship for the Visually Challenged in 2025 after finishing runner-up in the 2024 edition. He also secured runner-up positions at the AICFB West Zone Championship in both 2025 and 2026. In 2026, he won the AICFB Maharashtra State Chess Championship for the Visually Challenged.
His latest international success reflects years of effort and determination and demonstrates that Indian junior players can compete successfully at the highest level when they receive opportunities to participate in international tournaments.
India's participation in the World Junior and Women's Championships
India participated in the 13th IBCA World Junior and Women's Chess Championships for the Visually Challenged in Greece with a contingent of seven players, comprising four junior players and three women players. International Master Satyapragyan accompanied the team as coach and Swapnil Shah.
Indian Junior Team
Ved Neeraj Phaur
John Harris Sujin
Rithvik Marri
Rahul Bachubhai Vaghela
Indian Women's Team
Megha Chakraborty
Tijan Punaram Gawar
Vaishali Narendra Salavkar
The participation of these players provided valuable international exposure and an opportunity to compete against some of the best visually impaired chess players from around the world. Ved's bronze medal was the standout achievement for India, while the participation of the entire contingent highlighted the importance of creating opportunities for both junior and women players.
Financial Challenges Continue to Affect Blind Chess in India
Despite India's achievements at international competitions, inadequate financial support remains a major challenge for the development of blind chess.
The All India Chess Federation for the Blind (AICFB) receives approximately Rs. 15 lakh annually from the Government of India to support participation in international events. This amount is not sufficient to meet the growing financial requirements of sending Indian teams to multiple international championships, considering travel, accommodation and other associated expenses.
The participation of the junior team in Greece was made possible by utilising funds that had previously been allocated for India's visually challenged team to participate in the IBCA World Team Chess Championship in Montenegro. The senior team could not participate in that event because of visa-related issues, allowing the available funds to be redirected towards the junior team's participation.
The women's team's participation was made possible through crowdfunding efforts undertaken with the support of the Chess for All Foundation, in collaboration with AICFB. Contributions from supporters and well-wishers helped the women players realise their opportunity to represent India on the international stage.
A History of Medals in World Juniors, but Talent Needs Sustained Support
India has produced several outstanding visually impaired chess players who have achieved success at the World Junior Championship. Darpan Inani won a bronze medal in 2013, Soundarya Pradhan secured silver in 2018, and Aryan Joshi won Silver in 2022. Ved Neeraj Phaur's bronze medal in 2026 adds another achievement to India's record in international blind chess.
However, a recurring concern is that several talented players have been unable to sustain their competitive careers because of a lack of adequate financial assistance and long-term support. While India continues to produce promising players, limited funding can restrict their participation in international events, access to quality training and opportunities to improve their world-level performance.
Winning medals is important, but building a system that allows talented players to continue competing year after year is equally essential. Young players such as Ved need consistent encouragement, professional coaching, regular tournament exposure and financial assistance to fulfil their potential.
The success of Indian players should serve as a reminder that investment in junior talent can produce meaningful results. With appropriate support, more visually impaired chess players from India can compete internationally and bring further recognition to the country.
The Need for Greater Government and Corporate Support
There is a pressing need for the Government of India, the Sports Authority of India, corporate organisations, sponsors and individual donors to strengthen their support for visually impaired chess.
Enhanced financial assistance would enable more players to participate in international championships, help organise structured coaching camps, support the development of junior talent and provide women players with better access to competitive opportunities.
Corporate social responsibility initiatives and partnerships with charitable foundations could also play a significant role in building a sustainable support system for blind chess in India.
Ved's achievement at the age of 12 is a source of inspiration. But his success should not remain an isolated milestone. India needs a system in which promising players receive the necessary support to progress from junior competitions to senior international championships without being held back by financial difficulties.
Ved Neeraj Phaur's bronze medal in Greece is a proud moment for Indian chess. It is also an opportunity to recognise the efforts of the players, coaches, supporters and organisations working to develop blind chess in the country and to renew the call for greater investment in the sport.
India has the talent to win medals at the world level. Sustained financial support is essential to ensure that this talent gets the opportunity to shine.
