Chola Foundation to Bring One of India's Strongest Open Chess Tournaments to Chennai
BusinessManasi Praharaj26 Oct 2026
Chandigarh, 26 October 2026: Chola Foundation will host the 1st Chola Chess Open International Grandmasters Chess Tournament 2026, a FIDE-rated event, from 30 October to 7 November 2026 at ITC Welcomhotel, Cathedral Road, Chennai. The tournament will bring together 80 players, including 20 Indian grandmasters and 12 grandmasters from other federations.
Every participant is rated 2250 or above on the FIDE scale, with 75 of the 80 players holding a FIDE title. With an average rating of around 2400 Elo, the tournament is expected to rank among the strongest open chess events held in India.
A Strong International Field
20 to 24 of the 80 players will represent federations outside India, giving Indian players a rare chance to face a wide range of international opponents in a single open event. Players from 12 chess federations will take part. The field will include at least 32 grandmasters, a measure of the depth and growing international appeal of chess in India.
A Platform for Norm Aspirants
The tournament will offer players the opportunity to earn Grandmaster (GM), International Master (IM), Woman Grandmaster (WGM) and Woman International Master (WIM) norms. FIDE's title regulations set requirements for the mix of federations and for the titles and ratings of opponents, so a field with substantial foreign participation and a high average rating is particularly valuable for players pursuing norms.
The event will provide established grandmasters with a high-level contest and give the next generation of Indian players a strong platform to test themselves against experienced international opposition.
Commenting on the initiative, Mr. Ravindra Kumar Kundu, MD & CEO, Cholamandalam Investment and Finance Company, said, “India’s emergence as a global chess powerhouse requires sustained access to world-class competitive match play. At Chola Foundation, we remain committed to strengthening India’s competitive chess ecosystem and developing the next generation of champions.”
Tournament Details
- Event: 1st Chola Chess Open International Grandmasters Chess Tournament 2026 (FIDE-rated)
- Dates: 30 October to 7 November 2026
- Venue: ITC Welcomhotel, Cathedral Road, Chennai - 600 086
- Inauguration: Friday, 30 October 2026, 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM
- Field: 80 players; 20 Indian and 12 foreign grandmasters (at least 32 in total); about 75 titled players; 20 to 24 international players, 12 chess federations represented
- Eligibility: FIDE rating of 2250 and above
- Norms: Opportunity for GM, IM, WGM and WIM norms
- Website: www.cholachess.com
The organisers believe that bringing leading Indian and international players together in one open event will strengthen competitive chess in India and open up more opportunities for players aspiring to reach the highest levels of the game.
