More than 425 young chess players representing over 100 schools from across 10 states are competing at the Indian Schools Sports Organisation (ISSO) National Games Chess Competition 2026, hosted by Adani International School (ADIS) in Ahmedabad.
The two-day national championship has brought together more than 800 students, parents, coaches and school representatives. The tournament features four age categories, Under 11, Under 14, Under 17 and Under 19, allowing school-level chess players to compete against peers from across the country.
The competition tests players on key aspects of the game, including concentration, strategic thinking, decision-making and the ability to remain composed under pressure.
The championship was inaugurated in the presence of Indian chess Grandmaster Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa and Mrs Namrata Adani, Advisory Board Member, ISSO and Promoter, Adani International School. Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi also attended the event and interacted with participating students.
Speaking at the event, Namrata Adani highlighted the role of chess in developing skills that extend beyond the game.
“Chess teaches young people to think ahead, make thoughtful decisions and stay composed when the outcome is uncertain. These are qualities that serve them well far beyond the chessboard. Competitions such as this give students the experience of preparing with discipline, competing with confidence and learning from every game, whether they win or lose.”
The national championship is also providing students from different schools and states with an opportunity to interact and learn from one another. Beyond individual results, the tournament gives participants an experience of the preparation, discipline, pressure and camaraderie associated with competing at the national level.
For ADIS, hosting the ISSO National Games Chess Competition is part of its broader effort to strengthen the role of sports in school education. The school said its approach focuses on creating meaningful opportunities for students to compete while fostering discipline, confidence, resilience, leadership and sportsmanship.
As the tournament progresses, players are advancing through successive rounds, with every game testing their preparation, judgement, strategic thinking and composure.
