National Under-13 Chess Championship 2026 Begins in Puducherry

India's National Under-13 Open and Girls Chess Championships 2026 began in Vanarapet, Puducherry, with the top seeds winning their first-round games.

Some of India's most talented young chess players are competing this week at the 39th National Under-13 Chess Championships in Vanarapet, Puducherry. There are two sections: an Open section and a Girls section.

Both sections are 11-round Swiss tournaments at a classical time control of 90 minutes per player, plus 30 seconds added after every move. That is a long game, and young players will need patience and stamina as well as chess skill. Most days there are two rounds, so managing energy will be important.

Round 1 went to plan for the top seeds. In the Open section, FM Madhvendra Pratap Sharma won his first game with Black in a Sicilian Defense, and FM Avirat Chauhan won with White in the French Defense. In the Girls section, top seed WCM Aadya Gowda won her opening game as well.

National age-group championships are an important step for young players in India. Many of the country's grandmasters first made their names at events like this one, and strong results here can lead to selection for international youth championships.

For players taking part, and for anyone preparing for their own age-group events, here is some practical advice. Eat well and sleep well, because a long tournament is a test of energy. Between rounds, rest your mind instead of replaying the last game again and again. Before each game, take a minute to calm down and remind yourself of one simple goal, such as checking your opponent's threats on every move.

Parents have an important role too. The most helpful thing a parent can do during a tournament is to stay calm and supportive, whatever the results. Children play their best chess when they feel relaxed and know they are loved regardless of the score.

ChessDaily will follow the championships through the week.