Jalgaon Hosts 38th National Under-11 Chess Championship

Over 550 young chess players from across India compete in the 38th National Under-11 Championship, inaugurated by Union Minister Raksha Khadse, with FIDE-rated talent and ₹8 lakh in prizes at stake.

On 2nd August 2025, the serene and scenic Anubhooti Mandap in Jain Hills, Jalgaon came alive with the strategic intensity of chess boards and the vibrant enthusiasm of India's youngest chess minds. The occasion marked the grand inauguration of the 38th National Under-11 Chess Championship, a prestigious event that serves as a key stepping stone in India’s journey to identify, nurture, and elevate emerging chess prodigies.

The championship was officially declared open by Smt. Raksha Nikhil Khadse, Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, underscoring the growing governmental support for youth in sports. In her address, she drew inspiration from the recent global achievement of Divya Deshmukh, whose remarkable victory at the FIDE Women’s World Cup has reignited national pride and enthusiasm for chess. The opening remarks also echoed India’s long-term vision to foster a vibrant sports culture at the grassroots level, citing government-led flagship initiatives like ‘Khelo Bharat Niti 2025’ and the ongoing ‘Khelo India’ program as transformative forces in the arena of youth sports development.

This year’s championship has drawn an impressive 550+ participants from across India, making it one of the most competitive editions to date. Notably, nearly 400 of these young contestants hold official FIDE (International Chess Federation) ratings, reflecting the high calibre of talent gathered in Jalgaon. Participants have arrived from a wide array of states and union territories, including Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Goa, Gujarat, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Karnataka, Punjab, and Rajasthan. These budding talents are not only competing for national titles but also aiming to earn or enhance their international FIDE ratings, making the championship a gateway to the global chess arena.

The tournament follows the Swiss League format, a globally recognized system that ensures fair competition across 11 intense rounds. Among the many standout competitors are Advik Agrawal from Pune, holding a commendable FIDE Rating of 2251, and Devi Bijesh from Kerala, with a strong FIDE Rating of 1869. Their presence further elevates the standard of the tournament and inspires fellow participants to aim higher.

Organized through the collaborative efforts of the Jain Sports Academy, Jalgaon District Chess Association, Maharashtra Chess Association, and the All India Chess Federation, the event enjoys robust backing from the chess community. The tournament is primarily sponsored by Jain Irrigation, reflecting the private sector’s growing role in supporting India’s sports ecosystem.

To honour not just champions but all outstanding performers, the organizers have announced a generous prize purse of ₹8 lakhs. The cash prizes are not limited to winners alone but also recognize commendable draws, tactical brilliance, and sportsmanship, ensuring that skill and strategic acumen are rewarded at every level.

With its combination of top-tier talent, national pride, and forward-looking initiatives, the 38th National Under-11 Chess Championship in Jalgaon is more than just a competition — it is a celebration of India’s next generation of chess masters in the making.

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