ISSO Chess Games Start in Ahmedabad with 427 Players

The ISSO Chess Games began at the Adani International School in Ahmedabad on September 11, 2026, with 427 players from 102 international schools across India participating in the two-day event. The competition features Under-11, Under-14, Under-17, and Under-19 categories for both boys and girls, providing a national platform for students to compete against their peers.

The Games are supported by the Adani Group, which has consistently backed ISSO's efforts to create meaningful sporting opportunities for school students. Indian chess Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa attended the opening day, interacting with the young players and encouraging them to approach the tournament with confidence and enthusiasm.

Honourable Deputy Chief Minister of Gujarat, Harsh Sanghavi, also attended the Games and emphasized the importance of creating competitive sporting opportunities for young talent. He stated that scouting talent early and providing the right platforms at the school level are crucial for building India's sporting future.

Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa expressed his delight at seeing so many young players coming together from schools across India and competing at this level. He believes that tournaments like the ISSO Chess Games are essential in helping young players develop their game under pressure and adapt to a competitive environment.

The two-day Games have brought together students from international schools across India, with participants competing across four age groups in separate boys' and girls' categories. The competition aims to encourage strategic thinking, concentration, decision-making, and resilience among young players while giving them valuable exposure to high-level inter-school competition.

Aakanksha Thapak, Founder of ISSO, said that the participation of 427 players from 102 schools reflects the growing interest in competitive chess at the school level. She expressed gratitude to the Adani Group for its continued support of ISSO and its efforts to create meaningful sporting opportunities for school students.

The ISSO Chess Games provide a platform for young players to develop their skills, gain exposure, and take the next step in their sporting journey. With the attendance of Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa and the support of the Adani Group, the event is expected to inspire and motivate the young players to pursue their passion for chess.

The competition will conclude on September 12, 2026, with the winners being announced in each category. The ISSO Chess Games are an important step in promoting chess as a sport in India and providing opportunities for young players to develop their skills and compete at the national level.

In the context of Indian sports, the ISSO Chess Games are a significant event, as they provide a platform for young players to develop their skills and compete against their peers. The event is also an opportunity for schools to promote chess as a sport and encourage their students to participate in competitive tournaments.

Overall, the ISSO Chess Games are an exciting event that brings together young chess players from across India to compete and develop their skills. With the support of the Adani Group and the attendance of Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa, the event is expected to be a success and inspire young players to pursue their passion for chess.

The significance of the ISSO Chess Games lies in their ability to provide a platform for young players to develop their skills and compete at the national level. The event is an important step in promoting chess as a sport in India and providing opportunities for young players to pursue their passion for the game.

In conclusion, the ISSO Chess Games are a notable event in the Indian sports calendar, providing a platform for young chess players to develop their skills and compete against their peers. The event is expected to inspire and motivate young players to pursue their passion for chess and provide opportunities for them to develop their skills and compete at the national level.