Diptayan Ghosh, Anurag Mhamal, Siddharth Jagadeesh will be amongst top Grandmasters from India and abroad, set to hog the limelight at the Late Shri Manohar Parrikar Goa International Open Grandmaster Chess Tournament 2025 from January 11 to 19, 2025, at the Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium, Taleigao, Goa.
Goa Chess Association on Wednesday, announced the event details of the prestigious tournament to be conducted under the aegis of All India Chess Federation (AICF).
The tournament has already attracted 850 registered players, including 19 Grandmasters, 35 International Masters, 7 Women International Masters, 13 FIDE Masters, 11 Candidate Masters, 4 Women Fide Masters and numerous other title players from across 23 countries.
“It will serve as a opportunity for participants to improve their international ratings and achieve Grandmaster and other title norms,” stated Goa Chess Association president Mahesh Candolkar.
With a total prize fund of ₹53 lakh, it promises to be one of the most significant chess tournaments on the Indian circuit, providing an exceptional platform for Indian and Goan players to compete against some of the best minds in the game.
The event is part of a national chess circuit that includes tournaments in Bhubaneswar, Madurai, and Chennai. This series has proven instrumental in developing chess talent across India.
Ashesh Keni, Secretary, Vishwas Pilankar, Treasurer, and Arvind Mhamal, Vice-President of Goa Chess Association, were also present for the media briefing.
Among the prominent sponsors for Manohar Parrikar Goa International Open Grandmaster Chess, are – Power Grid Corporation of India, NTPC, and Goa Tourism Development Corporation. The Government of Goa and the Sports Authority of Goa is also supporting the event by providing logistical and financial assistance.
“Goa Chess Association expresses its gratitude to the AICF and its President, Nitin Narang, for their support in making this grand event possible. Such tournaments are part of a broader strategy of the AICF President to promote chess in India by hosting world-class events that attract international players and provide Indian players with greater exposure. This event is a perfect blend of top-tier international competition and local chess development,” said Candolkar.
“With participants from 23 countries, it offers a unique opportunity for players in Goa to compete against some of the best minds in the world and gain invaluable experience” he added.
Ashesh Keni claimed that Goa Chess Association is not just developing competitive talents, but also working on the project ‘Chess in Schools’ to benefit students of Std 3rd and 4th sharpen up their analytical, reasoning power. “The initiative is funded by AICF and costs Rs 10 to 12 Lakhs annually,” added Keni.
The 9-day International event will showcase Goa’s top chess talents, including GM Anurag Mhamal – the state’s first Grandmaster, IM Ameya Audi, leading International Master, IM Ethan Vaz, one of India’s youngest International Masters, and Ritviz Parab, a promising talent. Their participation highlights Goa’s rising stature in the national and international chess arena.
The tournament will kick off with an inaugural ceremony on January 11 at 1pm, with Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant; Sports Minister Govind Gaude; representatives of the All India Chess Federation, Goa Chess Association, international chess officials being present.
