Grandmaster Tejas Bakre inspires the next generation of players during the inaugural event of the Chiripal Chess Series — NE photo
- Chiripal Group launches city’s first open-street chess series at Sabarmati Riverfront
- 200+ players, including 50 FIDE-rated competitors, ignite Ahmedabad’s blitz-format chess carnival
- Grandmaster Tejas Bakre hails Gujarat’s education-chess synergy
- Plans emerge for a permanent riverfront chess hub
R MANICKAVASAGAM
AHMEDABAD, MAR 16
In a striking fusion of sport, community and public space, the Chiripal Group has launched Ahmedabad’s first open-street chess series, transforming the iconic Sabarmati Riverfront into a vibrant arena of strategy and intellect.
The Chiripal Chess Series 2026 began with an electrifying blitz-format tournament that drew over 200 participants, including around 50 international FIDE-rated players, alongside enthusiastic children, amateur players and visually impaired participants.
Designed to take chess beyond traditional clubs and indoor halls, the initiative aims to place the game in the heart of the city’s public life, making it accessible to everyone — from seasoned competitors to curious beginners.
From curious spectators to intense competitors, Ahmedabad’s riverfront becomes a bustling arena of strategic play during the open-street chess festival — NE photo
A street-smart strategy to popularise chess
The tournament followed the blitz format, one of the fastest and most exciting versions of chess, where players battle under intense time pressure with three minutes plus a two-second increment per move.
Participants competed in an atmosphere reminiscent of international competitions, but with a unique twist — the open, scenic riverfront setting that allowed passers-by to watch and engage with the game.
Winners of the inaugural tournament included Geet H Dabhi, Aryan Soni, Krunak K Solanki, Darshan Shah, Saumil Nair, Jeet Hiten Borsia, Aarav Arpit Shah, Mudaliar Nandini, Piyush Suthar and Khyati.
Strategic minds clash in rapid-fire blitz matches as over 200 players participate in the Chiripal Chess Series at Sabarmati Riverfront — NE photo
Each event in the series offers a ₹25,000 prize pool and vouchers worth ₹1.5 lakh, adding competitive intensity to the community celebration of chess.
Taking chess from classrooms to the streets
Speaking on the initiative, Ronak Chiripal, Promoter of Chiripal Group, emphasised the wider social value of the game.
“Chess is a game that builds strategic thinking, patience and decision-making — qualities that are valuable far beyond the board. Through the Chiripal Chess Series, we hope to take the game into public spaces and encourage more people, especially children and new players, to experience the excitement of competitive chess. Ahmedabad has a vibrant sporting spirit, and we are delighted to support an initiative that makes the game more accessible, inclusive and engaging for the community.”
The series is organised under the guidance of Ankit Dalal of My Sport Trip, who aims to bring competitive chess into prominent city spaces, including Sindhu Bhavan Road and Ahmedabad One Mall, where the next rounds will take place.
Grandmaster Tejas Bakre inspires the next generation
The opening event was graced by Gujarat’s first Grandmaster, Tejas Bakre, who interacted with young players and shared insights into the evolving chess ecosystem in India.
“I was introduced to chess at the age of ten, inspired by the legendary Viswanathan Anand. At that time, becoming a Grandmaster seemed like a distant dream. Today the chess landscape has transformed dramatically — children start extremely early. In fact, nowadays even a three-year-old prodigy can dream of becoming a Grandmaster in India.”
Bakre highlighted the growing relationship between chess and education.
A visually impaired participant competes confidently at the inclusive chess tournament hosted along the scenic Sabarmati Riverfront — NE photo
“Chess stimulates analytical thinking, concentration and creativity. That is why educational institutions increasingly encourage students to play the game. In Gujarat, schools and higher education institutions alike actively promote chess as part of the learning ecosystem because the discipline it builds goes far beyond the chessboard.”
According to Bakre, India’s surge in young chess talent is closely linked to this academic support and the inspiration provided by icons like Anand, who revolutionised Indian chess globally.
Towards a permanent chess hub on the riverfront
Another exciting idea emerging from the initiative is the proposal to create a dedicated chess space on the Sabarmati Riverfront.
Chessboards line the promenade as Ahmedabad’s citizens gather for a unique public-space tournament celebrating the game of strategy — NE photo
Anand Iyer, media officer of Chiripal Group, said: “The response to the open-street format has been extremely encouraging. Our long-term vision is to widen access to chess by creating a permanent facility on the Sabarmati Riverfront where enthusiasts, families and young players can gather regularly to play and learn the game.”
Such a facility, organisers believe, could turn Ahmedabad into one of India’s most vibrant public chess cultures, similar to famous outdoor chess parks seen in cities around the world.
A game for everyone
One of the defining features of the Chiripal Chess Series is its inclusive design.
Visually impaired participants took part in the tournament, while all players under the age of 13 were felicitated with medals, encouraging young talent to pursue the sport.
By bringing together professionals, amateurs, children and differently-abled players, the initiative underscores chess’s universal appeal — a game where intellect and imagination matter far more than age or background.
As the series moves to Sindhu Bhavan Road on March 22 and Ahmedabad One Mall on April 4, the organisers hope the city’s streets will continue to echo with the quiet intensity of checkmates and brilliant moves.
If the opening tournament is any indication, Ahmedabad may well be scripting a new chapter in India’s rapidly rising chess culture.
