IM Shashikant Kutwal Dominates Super Heroes Cup 2026
The Super Heroes Cup 2026 will be remembered not only for its inspiring participants but also for the sheer quality of chess produced across all rounds. In a knockout format where every game could end a campaign, IM Shashikant Kutwal delivered a performance of remarkable control, precision, and maturity to lift the title. Unlike many knockout events dominated by chaos, this tournament showcased a fascinating blend of fearless attacking play and classical positional understanding. From tactical fireworks to positional squeezes, the event delivered high-quality chess across all stages. Here is a detailed round-by-round report, featuring key positions and annotated highlights. Photos : Vivek Sohani
Super Heroes Cup 2026 – Chess Beyond Barriers
The return of the Super Heroes Cup 2026 marked more than just a chess tournament—it was a celebration of resilience, skill, and the unbreakable human spirit. Held in Pune after a five-year gap, the event brought together 16 of India’s strongest differently-abled chess players across visually impaired, physically challenged, and deaf categories. With a knockout format over two intense days, the tournament delivered not just results—but stories, emotions, and some truly fighting chess. Lets get to know what happened in the Fern Habitat Pune on 14th & 15th March 2026 through this article!
Round of 16 – Fireworks from the Start
Knockout tournaments carry a unique edge—one where reputations offer no guarantees and every round becomes a battleground for survival. With no second chances, even the slightest slip can prove fatal, and it is often here that underdogs rise to the occasion, striking decisive blows to eliminate higher-seeded opponents. The Super Heroes Cup 2026 was no exception. Right from the opening round, the event witnessed fearless performances, unexpected twists, and crucial upsets that set the tone for a fiercely contested tournament.
While top seeds IM Shashikant Kutwal, Kishan Gangolli, and Darpan Inani advanced with authority, Aryan Joshi’s promising position slipped away in a heartbreaking Armageddon defeat, undone by Sharon Rachel Aby’s brilliant sacrifice that instantly turned the tide. Sharon truly lived up to the nickname “Sher-On”—playing like a lion (“sher” in Hindi)—with fearless and attacking chess. She won the best game of the round award for that game.
If you have spotted ... Rxh3!!, you are absolutely correct! Sharon clinically finished the game with ... Rh3!! Kxh3 Rf3+, Kh2 Qf4+, Kh1 Rh3 & here Aryan resigned with a smile. At the closing ceremony, he reflected that when the pairings were announced, he looked up his Round 1 opponent and was deeply impressed by Sharon’s resilience and fighting spirit at just 16, remarking that he would have accepted even a loss against her.
Young Ved Holds Experienced Kshirsagar:
Ved Neeraj Phaur, hailing from Chandrapur—a place where chess infrastructure is still developing—made a strong statement by winning the first game against the seasoned Darshan Kshirsagar. The encounter saw both players falter in the late middlegame amid severe time pressure, but Ved kept his composure at the critical moment and converted his advantage into a full point. In the second game, he adopted a pragmatic approach, comfortably steering the game towards a draw without taking unnecessary risks, thereby securing his place in the next stage.
Replay games from Round of 16:
Quarter Finals:
The Quarterfinals of the Super Heroes Cup 2026 saw the intensity rise a notch as the remaining contenders battled for a place in the final four. With the stakes getting higher, the games became more strategic and hard-fought, leaving little room for error. While some of the top seeds continued their dominant run with controlled and precise performances, a few encounters turned into closely contested affairs, once again highlighting the unpredictable nature of the knockout format. The players who advanced not only demonstrated strong preparation but also exceptional composure under pressure, setting the stage for a thrilling semifinal lineup.
Kishan Gangolli delivered a dominant performance against his state-mate Samarth J Rao, wrapping up the game in just 28 moves with the black pieces. The encounter began with the French Defense: Schlechter Variation, and Kishan capitalized on his opponent’s inaccuracies at precisely the right moments. With crisp calculation and excellent timing, he converted his advantage into a powerful attack, producing a near-flawless game that earned him the Best Game of the Quarterfinals award.
On the other board, IM Shashikant Kutwal secured a very solid draw with the black pieces against Shankar Ramakrishnan. In the second game, he shifted gears impressively, launching a kingside attack and breaking through on the g-file to open lines for his rook. Demonstrating his experience both on and off the board, he converted his advantage convincingly to secure a place in the semifinals.
When experience meets rising talent, the result often hinges on composure—and Darpan Inani proved exactly why he is among India’s elite. A top visually impaired player, Para Asian Games double gold medallist, Chartered Accountant, and motivational speaker, Darpan brought both class and control to this crucial quarterfinal clash. He Maintained superior piece coordination, Waited patiently for inaccuracies & Converted his advantage with clinical precision! Later in the second game, He neutralized Ved’s attempts to create complications, Avoided unnecessary risks, Steered the game towards a comfortable draw. This ensured a 1.5–0.5 victory, sealing his place in the semifinals.
After producing one of the most memorable moments of the tournament in Round 1, Sharon Rachel Aby faced a tough challenge against the consistent Venkata Karthik in the quarterfinals. Karthik began the match with a calm and structured approach, focusing on piece coordination and central control. While Sharon looked to carry forward her aggressive momentum, Karthik remained unfazed as he Neutralized early attacking chances, Gradually improved his position & Capitalized on small inaccuracies. His disciplined play earned him a crucial win in the first game. Again experience helped him to just go for a safe draw in game 2 to secure the match in his favour!
Replay the games from Quarter Finals:
Semifinals: Kishan misses a chance to push Karthik into Armageddon!
The semifinal clash between Kishan Gangolli and Venkata Karthik turned out to be a gripping encounter filled with missed opportunities and fine margins. Interestingly, Kishan managed to obtain a promising edge in both games, but converting those advantages proved to be the difference. In game 1, Kishan built a comfortable position out of the opening and carried a clear edge into the middlegame. With better piece activity and control, he seemed well on course to press for a win. However, a few imprecise decisions at critical moments allowed Karthik to gradually neutralize the position and turn the tables when it mattered most. After the setback, Kishan came back strongly in the second game, once again creating a winning advantage and raising hopes of taking the match into Armageddon. The tension was palpable—not just because of the match situation, but also due to the underlying storyline. Having lost to Karthik in the finals of the 2021 online edition, this was a perfect opportunity for redemption. The spectators sensed it too—there was a growing anticipation of a revenge clash and a possible Armageddon decider.
But chess can be unforgiving! At a critical juncture, Kishan was unable to find the most precise continuation, and the advantage slipped away. Karthik, showing great composure, held his ground and once again turned the game in his favour.
In the other Semifinal, The opening game itself proved to be decisive. IM Shashikant Kutwal came out with an active approach, aiming to seize the initiative early on. His ability to convert the advantage efficiently gave him a crucial lead in the match. With the lead in hand, Shashikant adopted a more practical and controlled strategy in the second game. Darpan, needing a win to stay in contention, tried to create complications, but the game ended in a draw.
Replay the games from Semi Finals:
The Final Battle – Shashikant outplays Karthik; Kishan survives in Armageddon for Third place!
IM Shashikant Kutwal’s game is defined by his experience and remarkable resilience on the board. In the final against defending champion FM Venkata Krishna Karthik, he began with a very solid performance with the black pieces, comfortably securing a draw. In the second game, he steered the position into balanced territory and gradually increased the pressure, testing Karthik’s precision. At a critical moment, Karthik faltered with 50...Ne5, and Kutwal seized the opportunity with clinical accuracy, leaving no chance for a comeback and securing the champion’s trophy.
The battle for third place brought another intense showdown between Kishan Gangolli and Darpan Inani, both eager to finish the tournament on a high. The match proved to be closely contested, with neither player willing to concede ground in the classical games. After hard-fought battles, the contest moved into a high-pressure Armageddon decider. Darpan fought valiantly, but Kishan’s resilience and experience proved decisive as he managed to survive the Armageddon battle.
Replay the games from Third place match :
Replay the games from Finals:
The Super Heroes Cup 2026 concluded with fitting drama—IM Shashikant Kutwal showcasing dominance in the final, while Kishan Gangolli held his nerve in Armageddon to claim third place, bringing an unforgettable tournament to a thrilling end.
Video Playlist of Super Heroes Cup 2026:
Facebook Photo Album: Click Here