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ISSO Chess Games Begin in Ahmedabad With 427 Players
The ISSO Chess Games are a large chess competition for school students.
They began in Ahmedabad on September 11 and last for two days.
There are 427 young players from 102 schools taking part.
The players compete in four age groups for boys and girls.
Chess Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa came to support and encourage them.
Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi also attended the event.
The competition helps students practice thinking, concentration and decision-making.
The Games are supported by the Adani Group.
The two-day ISSO Chess Games began on September 11 at Adani International School in Ahmedabad.
A total of 427 players from 102 international schools across India are participating.
Competitors are divided into Under-11, Under-14, Under-17 and Under-19 boys’ and girls’ categories.
Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa attended the opening, interacted with participants and encouraged them to compete confidently.
Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi emphasized early talent identification and school-level sporting opportunities.
- Who
- 427 students from 102 international schools, along with R Praggnanandhaa, Harsh Sanghavi and ISSO founder Aakanksha Thapak.
- What
- The ISSO Chess Games, a two-day inter-school chess competition, began with four age groups for boys and girls.
- Where
- Adani International School in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
- When
- September 11 and 12, 2026.
- Why
- To give young players competitive exposure and help develop strategic thinking, concentration, decision-making and resilience.
Key facts
- Participants
- 427 young chess players
- Schools represented
- 102 international schools across India
- Dates
- September 11–12, 2026
- Venue
- Adani International School, Ahmedabad
- Age categories
- Under-11, Under-14, Under-17 and Under-19
- Divisions
- Separate boys’ and girls’ categories
- Supporter
- Adani Group
Quotes
R Praggnanandhaa
Indian chess Grandmaster who attended and addressed the opening day
“It is wonderful to see so many young players coming together from schools across India and getting the opportunity to compete at this level. Tournaments like this are important in helping young players develop their game under pressure and adapt under a competitive environment.”
thehansindia.com
freepressjournal.in
Harsh Sanghavi
Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister who attended the Games
“Scouting talent early and creating the right platforms at school-level to nurture and develop that talent are both important for building India’s sporting future. Events like the ISSO Chess Games give young players the opportunity to compete, gain exposure and take the next step in their sporting journey.”
thehansindia.com
freepressjournal.in
Aakanksha Thapak
Founder of ISSO
“The participation of 427 players from 102 schools is a wonderful reflection of the growing interest in competitive chess at the school level. Having Grandmaster Praggnanandhaa with us to encourage the students makes the opening especially meaningful.”
thehansindia.com
Sources
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