Chennai, 03rd February: Chola Chess, an initiative of the Chola Foundation, the CSR arm of Cholamandalam Investment and Finance company limited in partnership with Chess Gurukul, is dedicated to identifying, nurturing, and training India’s young chess talent. Chola Chess is a comprehensive, complementary development program that provides young chess aspirants access to world-class coaching, physical fitness, mental strength training, communication, and nutritional guidance. Chola Chess has officially announced the launch of its first FIDE-recognised International Grandmaster (GM) Norm Round Robin Tournament, scheduled to be held from February 3 to February 11, 2026, in Chennai, in partnership with Chess Gurukul.
The Chola Chess FIDE Round Robin Grandmaster Tournament is a FIDE-recognized event specifically designed to offer aspiring grand masters in India, a high-level competitive environment to earn Grandmaster norms by competing against titled international players. Achieving the GM title requires securing three GM norms and crossing a 2500 FIDE rating, and this tournament is purpose-built to support that journey.
As round-robin GM norm tournaments are rare and sought after in India, this initiative marks a significant step in strengthening the country’s elite chess ecosystem and providing home-grown players with international-standard opportunities without the need to travel abroad.
The tournament will feature 9 rounds under classical time control, conducted strictly in accordance with FIDE regulations.
The tournament will bring together a strong international and Indian field, including accomplished Grandmasters and International Masters:
- GM Neuris Delgado Ramírez (Paraguay) – Peak rating of 2636
- GM Mahel Boyer (France) – Winner of the Cappelle-la-Grande Open 2025
- GM Alisher Suleymenov (Kazakhstan) – Noted for defeating World No.1 Magnus Carlsen at the 2023 Qatar Masters
- GM Joseph Girel (France) – Multiple-time French youth champion
The Indian contingent features some of the country’s most promising norm seekers:
- IM Aronyak Ghosh (West Bengal) – Holds two GM norms; reached Round 2 of the FIDE World Cup 2025 after defeating GM Mateusz Bartel
- IM Ethan Vaz (Goa) – Two GM norms; reigning National Junior (U-19) Champion with multiple international medals
- IM Mayank Chakraborty (Assam) – Two GM norms; India’s first IM from the North-East; winner of Muscat Nights Blitz Tournament 2026 after defeating five GMs
- IM Akshay Borgaonkar (Maharashtra) – One GM norm; Gold medal list at the Commonwealth Chess Championship 2025 (U-16 Open)
- IM Harsh Suresh (Tamil Nadu) – Winner of the Paracin Open 2025 in Serbia with an unbeaten score
- IM Ameya Audi (Goa) – Champion of the Ceske Budejovice IM Tournament 2025
Speaking about the occasion Mr. Vellayan Subbiah, said, “By hosting an event of international standards, Chola Chess is proud to provide young players with a platform to challenge themselves, learn, and grow. We believe in supporting talent at every level and creating opportunities that help shape the next generation of Indian chess champions. Our goal is to inspire passion, dedication, and excellence in every participant.”
Commenting on the announcement, the organisers of the tournament, R B Ramesh said, “This tournament has been carefully planned to give Indian players an authentic international playing experience while competing on home ground. From the format to the conditions of play, every detail has been curated to mirror global standards and help players focus purely on performance. We are excited to collaborate and create a tournament that not only challenges players technically but also prepares them mentally for the demands of top-level competitive chess.”
The First Chola Chess International GM Norm Round Robin Tournament 2026 sets the stage for an intense and inspiring contest, marking the beginning of a new chapter for high-level norm-driven competitive chess in India.
