Will the Delhi GM Open 2025 Showcase S.L. Narayanan, Abhijeet Gupta, and Elite Grandmasters?
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Synopsis
The 21st Delhi GM Open Chess Tournament is set to feature top grandmasters including S.L. Narayanan and Abhijeet Gupta. With over 2,500 players participating, this prestigious event promises intense competition and showcases the rich talent in South Asian chess.
Key Takeaways
- Grandmasters S.L. Narayanan and Abhijeet Gupta lead the tournament.
- More than 2,500 participants from 25 nations.
- Prize pools totaling over Rs 1 crore.
- Categories for various skill levels, including Under-1900 and Under-1700.
- Historical significance as a launchpad for chess talent.
New Delhi, June 7 (NationPress) The esteemed Grandmaster S.L. Narayanan, the three-time Delhi GM champion Abhijeet Gupta, and notable international players such as Levan Pantsulaia from Georgia and Manuel Petrosyan of Armenia will headline the 21st edition of the Delhi International GM Open Chess Tournament, kicking off on June 7 at Tivoli Gardens, New Delhi.
With over 2,500 participants from 25 different nations, this tournament reestablishes its position as one of Asia's premier venues for classical chess, providing a platform where champions are tested and future talents are developed.
This year's roster features top seed Narayanan (FIDE 2600), renowned for his meticulous style in classical play. He will be joined by a formidable Indian lineup that includes Abhijeet Gupta, GM Diptayan Ghosh, and National Champion GM Venkataraman Karthik. The Category A, which is open to internationally rated competitors, boasts 24 GMs and 21 IMs, enhanced by standout foreign players like Luka Paichadze from Georgia. This section is set to award a prize pool of Rs 51 lakh.
In a remarkable return, WIM Rani Hamid, an 80-year-old veteran from Bangladesh and a 20-time National Champion, continues her legacy as one of Asia's most enduring international players.
Bharat Singh Chauhan, President of the Delhi Chess Association, remarked, "Through the years, we’ve cultivated players not only by providing a platform but also by fostering a high-performance environment based on consistency and care. Many of India’s top players, including Gukesh and Arjun, have flourished in this ecosystem. With legends like Rani Hamid and stars like Narayanan, this year's event epitomizes the diversity, strength, and essence of South Asian chess."
The Delhi GM Open is well-recognized as a springboard for elite talent, where players like Arjun Erigaisi, Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa, and Aravindh Chithambaram honed their skills. Notably, Gukesh Dommaraju achieved his final GM norm at this tournament, becoming the world’s youngest Grandmaster at only 12 years old. The 2025 edition seeks to continue this legacy with ambition and scale.
Additionally, Category B (Under-1900) and Category C (Under-1700) will each feature a prize pool of Rs 35 lakh, collectively attracting over 2,000 players. All matches will adhere to classical time control formats under FIDE Swiss System regulations, comprising 10 rounds per section.
Point of View
It's vital to highlight the significance of the Delhi GM Open as a cornerstone of chess in the region. This event not only fosters competition but also nurtures emerging talent. With the participation of international grandmasters and seasoned champions, it demonstrates the growing prominence of chess in India and its potential on the global stage.
NationPress
07/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Delhi GM Open 2025 start?
The Delhi GM Open 2025 kicks off on June 7.
Who are the top players participating?
Top players include S.L. Narayanan, Abhijeet Gupta, Levan Pantsulaia, and Manuel Petrosyan.
What is the prize pool for the tournament?
The prize pool for Category A is Rs 51 lakh, while Categories B and C each offer Rs 35 lakh.
How many players are expected to participate?
Over 2,500 players from 25 countries are expected to participate.
What format will the games follow?
All games will be played under classical time control, adhering to FIDE Swiss System regulations.
