Ahmedabad Crowns Young Chess Stars as ISSO Games Conclude on a Winning Note

The Indian Schools Sports Organisation (ISSO) successfully concluded its high-profile National Games Chess Competition on Sunday, September 13, 2026, at the Adani International School (ADIS) in Ahmedabad. The two-day national tournament brought together over 400 young chess players representing 102 schools across more than 10 states. The championship featured intensive matches across Under-11, Under-14, Under-17, and Under-19 categories for both boys and girls, highlighting the surging popularity of competitive mind sports among school-age children in India.

Tournament Structure and Inaugural Highlights

The championship kicked off with prominent figures from the national sports landscape in attendance. Indian Chess Grandmaster Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa and Namrata Adani, Advisory Board Member of ISSO and Promoter of ADIS, formally inaugurated the event alongside Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi.

• Participation Scale: Over 425 young competitors and 800 total attendees, including parents, coaches, and school representatives, gathered for the two-day fixture.

• Competitive Brackets: Play was categorized into eight distinct divisions covering U-11, U-14, U-17, and U-19 groups.

• Noted Category Winners: Standout performers included Viaansh Bhatnagar (U-11 Boys, Witty International School), Teesha Byadwal (U-11 Girls, Jayshree Periwal Global School), Nirvaan Nirav Shah (U-14 Boys, Don Bosco International School), Sai Nitisha K (U-14 Girls, Tatva School), Shahan Vohra (U-17 Boys), Ananya Khandelwal (U-17 Girls), Ranvir Kanwar (U-19 Boys), and Jhalak Byadwal (U-19 Girls).

Impact on Scholastic Sports and Youth Development

Organizers and educational administrators emphasized that structured national platforms like the ISSO Games are essential for early talent scouting and psychological conditioning. According to event stakeholders, competitive chess fosters critical life skills such as emotional resilience, strategic discipline, and composure under pressure. For participating students, the tournament served as an invaluable stepping stone toward professional circuit exposure, helping cultivate the next generation of international grandmasters from India's school system.

Official Sources Section

Tournament results, participant data, and event updates are referenced from official press releases issued by the Indian Schools Sports Organisation (ISSO), administrative disclosures from Adani International School (ADIS), and compiled sports reports published by ANI and NDTV.

Quote Section

"The Games brought together a strong and competitive field of young chess players, and it was encouraging to see the quality of participation across all categories," organizers stated that.

Why It Matters

For young athletes, parents, and school administrators across India, the successful conclusion of the ISSO Chess Games underscores the expanding institutional support for non-traditional scholastic sports. By providing organized national pathways, events like this help bridge the gap between grassroots participation and professional athletic careers, ensuring young talent receives proper competitive exposure.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Event Conclusion: The ISSO National Games Chess Competition wrapped up on September 13, 2026.

• Host Venue: Adani International School in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.

• Turnout: Over 400 elite school players from 102 institutions across multiple states.

• Special Guest: Grandmaster R. Praggnanandhaa inspired participants during the opening ceremony.

FAQ Section

Where were the ISSO Chess Games held?

The tournament took place at Adani International School (ADIS) in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.

Who inaugurated the championship?

The event was inaugurated by Indian Chess Grandmaster R. Praggnanandhaa, ADIS Promoter Namrata Adani, and Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi.

What age categories were featured in the tournament?

The competition featured Under-11, Under-14, Under-17, and Under-19 categories for both boys and girls.

How many schools participated in the 2026 edition?

Over 100 international and private schools from more than 10 states across India participated in the event.

Source: ANI, NDTV