Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa Celebrates Growth of Chess at ISSO National Championship

Indian chess Grandmaster Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa recently attended the ISSO National Chess Championship at Adani International School in Ahmedabad. With over 425 young participants from more than 100 schools, the event showcased the growing popularity of chess. Praggnanandhaa encouraged young players to enjoy the game without pressure, emphasizing the skills chess imparts. Aashi Patel, a student at the school, shared her inspiring journey in chess, highlighting the support she received from her school and coach. The championship was inaugurated in the presence of notable dignitaries, including Gujarat’s Deputy Chief Minister.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 11, 2026, 18:18 IST

Chess Championship Highlights

On Friday, Indian chess Grandmaster Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa expressed his admiration for the ISSO National Chess Championship taking place at Adani International School in Ahmedabad. He noted that the involvement of over 425 young players indicates a significant growth in the sport, urging both parents and educational institutions to motivate children to engage in chess.

Details of the Championship

The ISSO National Chess Championship is scheduled for September 11 and 12 at Adani International School. This prestigious event has attracted more than 425 chess enthusiasts from over 100 schools across more than 10 states in India. The tournament includes categories for Under-11, Under-14, Under-17, and Under-19 for both boys and girls.

Praggnanandhaa's Encouragement

In a conversation with the media, Praggnanandhaa commended the increasing interest in chess among youth and encouraged them to enjoy the game without the burden of pressure. He emphasized that chess fosters skills such as decision-making, concentration, and patience. He stated, "It was a fantastic experience to be part of this children's chess tournament at Adani International School. Witnessing so many kids participating is a testament to chess's growth. I advise young players to relish the game without stress and maintain their enthusiasm. Chess is not solely about winning; it teaches valuable lessons in making thoughtful decisions, maintaining focus, and exercising patience. Therefore, I encourage parents and schools to support their children's chess endeavors."

Aashi Patel's Chess Journey

Aashi Patel, a student from Adani International School, shared her chess journey, which began at the age of eight. She expressed gratitude towards her school and coach for their unwavering support. Participating in the ISSO Under-19 tournament has further fueled her passion for chess. "I started playing chess when I was eight years old and have taken part in several tournaments. Adani International School has been instrumental in my growth, and my coach has guided me throughout. This is my first experience in the ISSO tournament, competing in the Under-19 category, and I am incredibly thankful to my school for nurturing my interest in chess," she remarked.

Notable Attendees

The ISSO National Chess Championship was inaugurated with the presence of Praggnanandhaa and Namrata Adani, an Advisory Board Member of ISSO and Promoter of ADIS. The event also saw attendance from Gujarat’s Deputy Chief Minister Shri Harsh Sanghavi and Pranav Adani, Director of Adani Enterprises Limited.