Raksha Khadse Inaugurates 38th National Under-11 Championship in Jalgaon

The 38th edition of the National Under-11 Chess Championship commenced with great enthusiasm and grandeur today at the scenic Anubhooti Mandap in Jain Hills, Jalgaon. The prestigious national tournament, vital for spotting and nurturing India's brightest young chess talents, was inaugurated by Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Smt. Raksha Nikhil Khadse amidst the presence of several eminent dignitaries and a vibrant gathering of young chess enthusiasts from all over the country.

The grand opening ceremony resonated strongly with the recent historic triumph of India's Divya Deshmukh at the FIDE Women’s World Cup, highlighting India's rapidly growing stature as a global chess powerhouse and underscoring the immense potential embedded within India's junior chess community.

Ministerial Vision: Grassroots Development and Empowerment

Delivering the keynote address, Minister Raksha Khadse emphasized the importance of nurturing young talent from early ages, aligning seamlessly with the central government’s proactive vision for building a vibrant sporting culture right from the grassroots. Citing flagship government initiatives such as 'Khelo Bharat Niti 2025' and the renowned 'Khelo India' program, Minister Khadse assured sustained government support towards nurturing young athletes, improving sports infrastructure, and empowering future champions.

“The formative years in an athlete’s life present invaluable opportunities for development and growth. The government is fully committed to empowering our young athletes by creating world-class sports infrastructure, training facilities, and accessible opportunities through initiatives like Khelo India and Khelo Bharat,” Minister Khadse remarked.

She encouraged young participants by highlighting that chess, as a cerebral sport, builds foundational skills like strategic thinking, analytical ability, patience, discipline, and intellectual sharpness—qualities that serve young players exceptionally well throughout their sporting careers and in life.

Record Participation: National Talent Converges

The championship has garnered a remarkable response with over 550 chess prodigies from nearly every corner of India gathering in Jalgaon. Significantly, among these, nearly 400 players already hold official FIDE (International Chess Federation) ratings, indicating the exceptional calibre and competitive standard of the championship.

Young chess talents representing diverse regions and states, including Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Goa, Gujarat, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Karnataka, Punjab, and Rajasthan, have travelled to Maharashtra, showcasing India's rich diversity and unity through the game of chess.

Tournament Structure: International Rating Opportunities

The championship is being conducted following the Swiss League format across 11 rounds of intense competition, providing young players significant opportunities to earn and elevate their FIDE international ratings. Each round promises strategic depth and showcases incredible tactical skills, as every participant aims to secure a commendable position, recognition, and ratings improvement.

Notably, the championship features several promising chess prodigies, including Advik Agrawal from Pune, currently rated at an impressive FIDE rating of 2251, and Devi Bijesh from Kerala, with a strong FIDE rating of 1869. Their presence adds significant prestige to the championship, inspiring other aspiring young chess players in attendance.

Collaborative Organizational Efforts and Generous Prize Money

This flagship chess event is being meticulously organized through the collaborative efforts of the Jain Sports Academy, Jalgaon District Chess Association, Maharashtra Chess Association, and the All India Chess Federation (AICF). The championship enjoys the principal sponsorship and steadfast support from Jain Irrigation Systems Limited, reaffirming the company's long-standing commitment to promoting sports and educational development.

Organizers have announced a generous prize pool totalling ₹8 lakhs, incentivizing young competitors with attractive cash awards not only for championship winners and runners-up but also for outstanding performances, best games, and commendable draws, thereby fostering an atmosphere of healthy competition, strategic excellence, and sportsmanship.

Jalgaon: Emerging National Chess Destination

The successful hosting of this national chess championship marks a significant milestone in the educational, athletic, and socio-cultural development of Jalgaon district. It further enhances Maharashtra’s stature as a pivotal state in the nation’s chess landscape, providing aspiring chess players the exposure, infrastructure, and inspiration necessary to pursue excellence in chess on both national and international stages.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Ashok Jain, Chairman of Jain Irrigation and Advisor to AICF, reaffirmed his organization’s commitment to promoting youth sports. Shri Siddharth Mayur, Executive President of the Maharashtra Chess Association, expressed confidence in Maharashtra’s potential to consistently produce chess champions.

Other distinguished dignitaries gracing the event included Smt. Smita Wagh (Member of Parliament), Shri Atul Jain (President, Jain Sports Academy), and Shri Debashish Barua (Chief Arbiter), among various senior officials and representatives from chess federations.

Looking Ahead: Building India's Chess Legacy

As India consistently climbs the global chess rankings, events like the 38th National Under-11 Chess Championship become instrumental in identifying, nurturing, and propelling future chess masters onto the global stage. With sustained governmental support, community encouragement, and robust infrastructure, Indian chess stands on the cusp of unprecedented global dominance.

This tournament, through its successful inception and promise of fierce yet spirited competition, is set to become a memorable chapter in India’s evolving chess legacy, encouraging generations of young players to aspire to greater heights.