One Game a Day, Play Pure Classical Chess in March

by Niklesh Jain - 30/01/2026

At present, fast-paced chess formats are gaining dominance in the chess world, but even today, if we want to witness the finest games of chess, classical chess remains the format we consider the best. As part of the ongoing Khelo Chess India movement in Bhopal for the last three consecutive years, we are bringing our second Classical FIDE-rated tournament as the next international FIDE event. The tournament will be held from 23 March to 31 March.

This competition will be played on the one-round-per-day principle, in line with world-class international events, giving players ample opportunity to analyze their games, rest properly, and prepare for the next round—allowing us to witness their best possible performance.

The tournament will feature a total prize fund of ₹1,50,000, with 128 players competing on 64 boards, playing 9 rounds under the Swiss system. Registrations have already begun, so if you wish to experience true classical chess, register at the earliest.

So far, Khelo Chess India has successfully completed 75 events.

Khelo Chess India Classical FIDE-Rated Chess Tournament | 23 March to 31 March

If you have never played a classical chess tournament where only one round is played each day, then you should not miss the opportunity to participate in this world-class classical event being held in Bhopal.

This classical chess event will be held at the Khelo Chess India Club, located at Sage International School, Bhopal.

A total of 128 players will participate in the tournament, out of which 68 spots are reserved for players from Bhopal.

The tournament will feature one round each day starting at 5:00 PM, allowing working professionals to participate after completing their day’s work, as well as students in Bhopal who wish to play after school. On the final day, 31 March, which is a holiday on account of Mahavir Jayanti, the last round will be played from 10:00 AM.

The tournament carries a total prize fund of ₹1,50,000, with the top three finishers receiving prizes of ₹35,000, ₹20,000, and ₹15,000 respectively. In total, 74 prizes will be awarded, including 41 cash prizes, 30 medals, and 3 special prizes.

A special highlight of the tournament will be three exclusive awards. The Under-10 first-place finisher will receive a chess board signed by the 18th and reigning World Champion, D. Gukesh, while the two best Under-15 girl players will be awarded signed photographs by Koneru Humpy.

It is important to note that attendance at the prize distribution ceremony is mandatory for all winners. In case a winner is absent, the prize will be awarded to the next eligible player.

Why is this event being played with one round per day? Read our message.

All the details to participate in the tournament are provided here. You can pay the entry fee using the QR code given, and then fill out the registration form using the second QR code.

Glimpses from our recent events

You will need to make your own accommodation arrangements. We are providing this information only for reference; please choose your hotel carefully at your own discretion.

List of players registered so far

Starting rank

No.	Name	FideID	FED	Rtg
1	Wajih, Nassir	5000173	IND	2105
2	Devansh, Singh	25621092	IND	1813
3	Azal, Nasir	25645889	IND	1726
4	Shrivastava, Chitransh	46607668	IND	1694
5	Nitin, Raghuvanshi	45086311	IND	1666
6	Ahilaan, Roy	531003630	IND	1652
7	Hrishaan, Singh Sajwan	429093368	IND	1613
8	Kavya., S	5065410	IND	1613
9	Mishra, Rahul	35022059	IND	1597
10	Deshmukh, Dipesh	33499039	IND	1572
11	Jain, Medant	48774529	IND	1564
12	Pruthu, Gore	537032356	IND	1510
13	Akshat, Singh Thakur	537056077	IND	0
14	Amay, Agrwal	531028993	IND	0
15	Daksh, Abhishek Jain	531029639	IND	0
16	Ifrah, Wali		IND	0
17	Meghana, Singh	537032275	IND	0