AICF: Indian Chess Calendar Gets a Fix as the federation steps in to address scheduling concerns raised by Grandmaster Abhijeet Gupta. The All India Chess Federation is now working to hold the senior National Chess Championship later this year, a significant shift from its earlier plan.
The senior National Championship was originally scheduled for March 25 to April 4, 2027, in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, which would have left no national event in 2026. An AICF official confirmed the change, stating, The calendar was packed. It was very difficult to make room for the event. Yet, after discussing with the team, we have decided to host it in the November-December timeframe.
This decision follows Gupta’s public criticism on social media, where he highlighted that the March-April window would clash with school board examinations, creating difficult choices for young players. He also pointed out the logistical challenges of traveling to Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, which could lock out emerging talent. The veteran Grandmaster stressed that India is producing world champions but risks making it harder for the next generation to compete.
AICF officials explained that age-group nationals were prioritized to ensure players don’t miss world championship qualification deadlines. The senior championship has no such age restriction, allowing it to be moved to a later window. The federation has now accelerated efforts to finalize a suitable date before the end of the year, ensuring the calendar stays intact for 2026.
This responsive action by the AICF demonstrates a commitment to nurturing India’s chess ecosystem, balancing the needs of rising stars with the demands of a crowded international schedule.