Team Goemkarponn
Panaji: The Goa Chess Association unveiled details of the prestigious Late Shri Manohar Parrikar Goa International Open Grandmaster Chess Tournament 2025 at a press conference held today. The tournament, organised by Goa Chess Association in aegis with the All India Chess Federation (AICF), will take place from January 11 to 19, 2025, at the Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium, Taleigao, Goa.
This landmark event is set to feature top Grandmasters (GMs), International Masters (IMs), and title players from 23 countries. With a total prize fund of ₹53 lakh, it promises to be one of the most significant chess tournaments on the Indian circuit, providing an exceptional platform for Indian and Goan players to compete against some of the best minds in the game.
The tournament has attracted 850 registered players, including 19 Grandmasters, 35 International Masters, 7 Women International Masters, 13 FIDE Masters, 11 Candidate Masters, 4 Women Fide Masters and numerous other title players. It will be a critical opportunity for participants to improve their international ratings and achieve Grandmaster and other title norms.
The event is part of a national chess circuit that includes tournaments in Bhubaneswar, Madurai, and Chennai. This series has proven instrumental in developing chess talent across India.
The press conference was addressed by Mahesh Candolkar, President, Ashesh Keni, Secretary, Vishwas Pilankar, Treasurer, and Arvind Mhamal, Vice President of the Goa Chess Association.
Prominent sponsors include Power Grid Corporation of India, NTPC, and the Goa Tourism Development Corporation. The Government of Goa and the Sports Authority of Goa is also supporting the event by providing logistical and financial assistance.
“Goa Chess Association expresses its gratitude to the Indian Chess Federation and its President, Mr. Nitin Narang, for their support in making this grand event possible. Such tournaments are part of a broader strategy of the AICF President to promote chess in India by hosting world-class events that attract international players and provide Indian players with greater exposure. This event is a perfect blend of top-tier international competition and local chess development,” said Mahesh Candolkar, President of the Goa Chess Association. “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” he added.
The 9 day International event will showcase Goa’s top chess talents, 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 highlights Goa’s rising stature in the national and international chess arena.
The tournament will kick off with an inaugural ceremony on January 11 at 1pm, graced by key dignitaries, including the Honourable Chief Minister Of Goa Dr Pramod Sawant, Shri Govind Gaude, Honourable Sports Minister, representatives of the All India Chess Federation and Goa Chess Association, and international chess officials.
