Panaji: The Goa Chess Association unveiled the much-anticipated Late Shri Manohar Parrikar Goa International Open Grandmaster Chess Tournament 2025 at a press conference today. Set to run from January 11 to 19 at the Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium in Taleigao, the tournament promises to be a marquee event on the Indian chess calendar.
Organized under the aegis of the All India Chess Federation (AICF), the tournament boasts a massive
Rs 53 lakh prize fund and has already attracted 850 players from 23 countries. The roster includes 19 Grandmasters, 35 International Masters, 7 Women International Masters, 13 FIDE Masters, and 11 Candidate Masters. These numbers underscore its stature as one of the most competitive chess tournaments in India, providing a platform for players to achieve title norms and elevate their international ratings.
“This tournament is a testament to the AICF’s strategy of hosting world-class events that enhance Indian players’ exposure to international competition,” said Mahesh Candolkar, President of the Goa Chess Association. “With participants from across the globe, it’s a fantastic opportunity for Indian and Goan players to test themselves against elite opponents,” he added.
The event will also spotlight Goa’s rising chess stars, including the state’s first Grandmaster, Anurag Mhamal, along with IMs Ameya Audi and Ethan Vaz, and FIDE Master Ritviz Parab. Their participation underscores Goa’s growing influence in the national and international chess scene.
Supported by the Government of Goa, the Sports Authority of Goa, and major sponsors like Power Grid Corporation of India, NTPC, and the Goa Tourism Development Corporation, the tournament is part of a broader national circuit, including stops in Bhubaneswar, Madurai, and Chennai. This series has become a critical pathway for nurturing chess talent in India.
The nine-day chess extravaganza will kick off on January 11 with an inaugural ceremony at 1 p.m., featuring Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant, Sports Minister Govind Gaude, and representatives from the AICF and international chess bodies. For Indian chess enthusiasts, the Late Shri Manohar Parrikar Goa International Open Grandmaster Chess Tournament 2025 is more than just a competition—it’s a celebration of the sport’s growing stature in the country.
