Arun Kataria dominates at 1st LNJ Bhilwara Rapid Rating 2026

Arun's 3rd Triumph of 2026

Before this event, Arun won 2 Rapid Rating tournaments this year. He triumphed at the 1st GH Raisoni Ujjain Rapid Rating and the Lt Kashmiri Lal Ji Arora FIDE Rapid Rating. In the 7th round, Arun drew against the top-seeded Anustoop Biswas and won the next 2 games to clinch the title here at Bhilwara

The tournament was inaugurated by Mrs. Shashi Agarwal – Patron, Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya, Hurda, Mr. Anil Batra – Secretary, Ramarpan Education Society, Mr. R. S. Tiwari – Former Secretary AICF, Mr. Jitendra Singh – Deputy Superintendent of Police (Dy. SP), Bhilwara, Mr. Naresh Bahedia – SMC Chairman, VKV Hurda; CEEO and Business Head, RSWM, Mr Kailash Chandra Dad – Patron, Zila Shatranj Sangh, Bhilwara, Mr. Ajay Kumar Gupta – Secretary, Zila Shatranj Sangh, Bhilwara, Mr. Narendra Shrimali – Chief Arbiter, Mrs. Asha Goyal – Principal, Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya, Hurda. Before the formal inauguration, a recorded message from Shraddheya Shri L. N. Jhunjhunwala Ji was shared, which added emotional significance and inspiration to the occasion.

VKV Hurda – A Growing Centre for Chess Excellence

Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya, Hurda, has emerged as an important center for chess development in Rajasthan. Under strong institutional leadership and with continuous support for students, the school has successfully integrated chess into student development. Chess is viewed not merely as a sport but as a tool for discipline, concentration, strategic thinking, and personality development. The successful organisation of this FIDE-rated event demonstrates the seriousness with which VKV Hurda approaches chess development. The school has already produced strong participation in rated events and continues to encourage students toward higher competitive standards.

Brief Contribution of Shri L. N. Jhunjhunwala Ji to Indian Chess

Param Shraddheya Shri L. N. Jhunjhunwala Ji, Founder of LNJ Bhilwara Group, is widely recognised as one of the visionary private patrons who helped build the foundation of modern Indian chess. In 1973, he established the National Chess Trust of India and supported the famous Bhilwara International Chess Tournaments that helped players like Dibyendu Barua, Praveen Thipsay, and Viswanathan Anand during crucial stages of their careers.

He promoted the Botwinick Chess Academy, supported Chess India magazine, and believed strongly that chess should grow through schools and institutions, not only through elite tournaments.

Even today, events like the LNJ Bhilwara International Tournament continue to carry forward that living legacy. He did not merely sponsor tournaments. He helped build an ecosystem that is continuing to nurture promising players.

A Huge Thanks to Mr. Ajay Kumar Gupta (Secretary, DCA Bhilwara) for sharing the details with us

Replay Available Games

Final Ranking after 9 Rounds

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