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PANJIM: The Late Shri Manohar Parrikar Goa International Open Grandmaster Chess Tournament 2025, organised by the Goa Chess Association under the aegis of the All India Chess Federation (AICF), will take place at the Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium, Taleigao, from January 11 to 19. The event, featuring top Grandmasters (GMs), International Masters (IMs), and title players from 23 countries, boasts a total prize fund of Rs 53 lakh.
Over 850 players have already registered, including 19 Grandmasters, 35 International Masters, seven Women International Masters, 13 FIDE Masters, 11 Candidate Masters, four Women FIDE Masters, and many other titleholders. The event is part of a national chess circuit alongside tournaments in Bhubaneswar, Madurai, and Chennai.
Addressing a press conference, Mahesh Candolkar, President of the Goa Chess Association, said, “Goa Chess Association expresses its gratitude to the Indian Chess Federation and its President, Nitin Narang, for their support in making this grand event possible. Such tournaments are part of the AICF’s broader strategy to promote chess in India by hosting world-class events that attract international players and provide Indian players with greater exposure.”
Candolkar further highlighted the significance of the event for local players: “With participants from 23 countries, it offers a unique opportunity for players in Goa to compete against some of the best minds in the world and gain invaluable experience.”
Goa’s top chess talents will also feature prominently, including GM Anurag Mhamal, the State’s first Grandmaster; IM Ameya Audi, a leading International Master; IM Ethan Vaz, one of India’s youngest International Masters and Ritviz Parab, a promising talent. Their participation underscores Goa’s growing stature in both national and international chess.
The nine-day tournament will begin with an inaugural ceremony on January 11, at 1 pm, attended by Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant, Sports Minister Govind Gaude, representatives from the AICF, and international chess officials.
