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Key Points

The 21st Delhi International Open Grandmasters Chess Tournament has kicked off with an impressive lineup of over 2,500 players from 15 countries. Minister Parvesh Verma inaugurated the event, praising young chess talents like Gukesh Dommaraju and Vaishali Rameshbabu. The tournament features a record prize pool of ₹1.21 crore and will run from June 7 to 14 at Tivoli Gardens. With categories for different rating levels and special prizes, this event continues to be a crucial platform for emerging chess talent in India.

Key Points: Parvesh Verma Launches Delhi Chess Grandmasters Tournament

  • 2,500 players from 15 countries to compete in Asia's largest chess tournament
  • Record prize pool of ₹1.21 crore marks 168% increase
  • 20 Grandmasters including Gukesh Dommaraju participating
3 min read

21st Delhi International Open Grandmasters Chess Tournament inaugurated; Minister Parvesh Verma lauds young talent

Minister celebrates young chess talents at 21st Delhi International Open with record ₹1.21 crore prize pool featuring global participants

"India is very proud of the achievements of all our children, whether it is our Gukesh or Vaishali - Parvesh Verma"

New Delhi, June 7

The 21st edition of the Delhi International Open Grandmasters Chess Tournament was officially inaugurated in the national capital, marking a significant occasion in the Indian chess calendar. Delhi Minister Parvesh Verma praised India's up-and-coming chess players at the event and offered his best wishes to the young players.

Minister Verma said at the inauguration, "The first Grandmaster Delhi Chess Tournament has been inaugurated. I convey my best wishes to all the children. India is very proud of the achievements of all our children, whether it is our Gukesh (Dommaraju) or Vaishali (Rameshbabu)."

He further praised the organisers' and the chess fraternity's efforts in nurturing young talent and bringing the game to such a prominent stage.

"Many congratulations to all, and I convey my best wishes to the Federation and the Association for organising such a good tournament here at such a good level," he added.

With a record prize pool of Rs 1.21 crore, the Delhi International Open Grandmasters chess tournament is all set for its 21st edition from June 7 to 14 at Tivoli Gardens, Chattarpur, New Delhi.

A marquee calendar event on the FIDE World Championship Circuit, the tournament has played a pivotal role in shaping the rise of India's chess stars, including past winners Arjun Erigaisi and Aravindh Chithambaram, R Praggnanandhaa, and World Champion Gukesh Dommaraju, who earned his final GM norm here to become a Grandmaster.

Organised under the aegis of the All India Chess Federation, the Delhi GM Open has grown into the largest classical-format chess tournament in Asia by participation. This year, the Delhi GM Open will host over 2,500 players from over 15 countries, including 20 Grandmasters, competing across three rating-based categories. The prize pool marks a 168 per cent increase from last year's edition.

Category A has a Rs 51 lakh prize pool and is open to internationally rated players. Categories B and C, for players rated below 1900 and 1700, respectively, will offer Rs 35 lakh each. All matches will follow FIDE rules and the FIDE Swiss System format, with 10 rounds in every section.

Category A games will follow a classical time control of 90 minutes plus a 30-second increment from move one, with the top three prizes set at Rs7,00,000, Rs6,00,000, and Rs5,00,000 respectively. The top ten finishers in this category will each receive Rs 1,00,000 or more, while special prizes of Rs 1,00,000 each will be awarded to the Best Female Player and Best Foreign Player.

Category B and C games will follow a 60-minute-plus-30-second time limit and 30-minute-plus-30-second formats, respectively. Entry is free for Grandmasters, International Masters, Women Grandmasters, and Women International Masters.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Great to see chess getting this level of recognition! Our young players like Gukesh and Praggnanandhaa are making India proud globally. The prize money increase shows how seriously we're taking chess now. Hope this inspires more schools to include chess in their curriculum. ♟️
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Priya M.
While I appreciate the initiative, I wish more attention was given to women players. Only 1 lakh for best female player when total prize pool is 1.21 crore? Chess needs more gender equality in recognition and rewards. Still, good step forward for Indian chess!
A
Arjun S.
Chess is becoming the new cricket in India! So proud of our grandmasters. The fact that we're hosting Asia's largest classical-format tournament shows how far we've come. Just hope the facilities at Tivoli Gardens are world-class - we shouldn't compromise on player comfort.
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Sunita R.
My son is participating in Category C! So excited for him to play in such a prestigious tournament. The free entry for titled players is a great move - helps promote the sport. Hope DD Sports or some channel shows highlights for us parents who can't be there physically.
V
Vikram J.
Chess tournaments like these are proof that India can excel in cerebral sports too. But I wonder - are we doing enough at grassroots level? Many talented kids in smaller towns don't get proper coaching. Government should establish chess academies in every district.
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Neha P.
Wonderful initiative! Chess teaches strategic thinking and patience - qualities our youth need today. The three-category system ensures fair competition for all skill levels. Hope to see more corporate sponsors coming forward to support such intellectual sports in future.

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