Growing Participation and National Pathways: Rai Sahab Council’s Chess Championships See Strong Turnout in 2024 and 2025

Over the past two years, I’ve seen something encouraging unfold in India’s chess landscape. While international titles and global recognition often dominate the conversation, it’s the quality of local, professionally run tournaments that truly shape the future of the game.

The Rai Sahab Council  for Sports and Education’s chess championships in 2024 and 2025 are a strong example of this shift.

Both editions were thoughtfully organised, offering a structured competitive platform for emerging and rated players alike. What stood out wasn’t just the participation numbers — it was the diversity of players. School students, independent competitors, and experienced rated players from multiple districts all competed under recognised formats, with fair pairing systems and a disciplined tournament environment.

In 2024, the mix of young aspirants and seasoned participants created a healthy competitive ecosystem. For many younger players, this was their first exposure to a formal tournament setting. Trophies and certificates were more than symbolic — they strengthened profiles and opened doors to district, state, and even national-level opportunities.

By 2025, the growth was visible.

Participation increased. Institutional engagement deepened. Families showed stronger involvement. The tournament operations also expanded in scale, reflecting rising credibility and awareness.

Scheduling was smooth, match flow was organised, and the overall experience felt structured and professional — something that builds trust over time.

These events also became meaningful visibility platforms within the regional sporting ecosystem. Consistent footfall, engaged audiences, and well-managed branding opportunities created sustained presence for supporting partners throughout the tournament lifecycle.

But beyond numbers and logistics, what matters most is the pipeline.

Well-run grassroots tournaments are often a young player’s first serious step into competitive chess. They provide exposure, discipline, and confidence. And when conducted professionally, they give players — and their families — the reassurance that the system is credible and worth investing in.

With two successful editions and rising participation trends, the Rai Sahab Council’s championships are gradually establishing themselves as a reliable fixture on the regional chess calendar.

India’s rise as a global chess powerhouse didn’t happen overnight. It’s built on foundations — quiet, consistent efforts that nurture talent at the grassroots.

Capt Dhaval Sachdeva (Retd), the Director of the Council is confident of this tectonic shift and is expecting a huge turnout in the 3rd Edition of the Championship in May 2026. “If we want sustained excellence, we must continue strengthening those foundations. Because every grandmaster once began at a well-organised local board”, he added.