Aronyak Ghosh Wins National Rapid Chess Championship 2025-26
IM Aronyak Ghosh became the champion of the National Rapid Chess Championship 2025–26 after an impressive and unbeaten performance.
He scored 9.5 points out of 11 games to secure the title with a clear half-point lead over the rest of the field. His consistent play throughout the tournament helped him stay on top and finish as the new National Rapid Champion.
The championship was organized by the All Jharkhand Chess Association at Sarala Birla University. The event attracted hundreds of strong players from across the country.
Strong Competition for the Podium
Grandmaster Murali Karthikeyan and IM Hari Madhavan NB both scored 9 points out of 11 games.
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Murali Karthikeyan finished second place based on tiebreaks.
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Hari Madhavan NB secured third place.
Both players played excellent chess and remained close to the leader until the final round.
Final Round Drama
Before the last round, Aronyak Ghosh was leading the tournament with 9 points from 10 games. In the final round, he faced Hari Madhavan NB. A draw was enough for Aronyak to win the championship.
The game ended in a draw, which confirmed his victory regardless of other results on the remaining boards. Meanwhile, on board two, Murali Karthikeyan defeated Diptayan Ghosh in a crucial game. This win helped him secure second place in the final standings.
Prize Fund and Rewards
The National Rapid Championship featured a total prize fund of ₹4,00,000.
Top prizes:
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🥇 1st Place: ₹75,000
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🥈 2nd Place: ₹60,000
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🥉 3rd Place: ₹50,000
Players from across India competed for the prize money and national glory.
Massive Participation
The tournament saw around 450 participants, making it a very strong and competitive event. The field included:
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12 Grandmasters (GM)
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24 International Masters (IM)
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1 Woman International Master (WIM)
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5 FIDE Masters (FM)
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1 DFM
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6 Candidate Masters (CM)
Around 150 players from Jharkhand also participated, showing the growing popularity of chess in the state.
Venue and Organization
The event took place at Sarala Birla University in Ranchi, providing excellent facilities for players and spectators.
Chess fans and enthusiasts gathered in large numbers to watch top Indian players compete for the national rapid title.
Next Event: National Blitz Championship
The excitement continues with the National Blitz Chess Championship 2025–26, scheduled on 13 March at 9 AM.
Top players from the rapid event are expected to compete again in the fast-paced blitz format.
Final Top 3
🥇 Aronyak Ghosh – 9.5/11
🥈 Murali Karthikeyan – 9/11
🥉 Hari Madhavan NB – 9/11
Aronyak’s unbeaten performance made him a deserving National Rapid Champion.
Photos: ChessBase
Source: CHESSBASE.in
