- Chola Chess, an initiative of Chola Foundation by Cholamandalam Investment and Finance Company Limited, is set to host its first International Grandmaster (GM) Norm Round Robin Tournament from February 3 to 11, 2026. Held at the Chola Chess Centre in T. Nagar, the GM Norm tournament is designed to address a critical gap in the Indian chess circuit: the rarity of high-stakes, FIDE-recognized closed Round Robin events where domestic talent can secure the prestigious “norms” required to become Grandmasters.
- With a classical format, FIDE standards, and a ₹2.5 lakh prize fund, the tournament aims to strengthen India’s high-performance chess ecosystem.
Chennai, 02nd February 2026: Chola Chess, an initiative of the Chola Foundation, the CSR arm of Cholamandalam Investment and Finance company limited in partnership with Chess Gurukul, is dedicated to identifying, nurturing, and training India’s young chess talent. Chola Chess is a comprehensive, complementary development program that provides young chess aspirants access to world-class coaching, physical fitness, mental strength training, communication, and nutritional guidance. Chola Chess has officially announced the launch of its first FIDE-recognised International Grandmaster (GM) Norm Round Robin Tournament, scheduled to be held from February 3 to February 11, 2026, in Chennai, in partnership with Chess Gurukul.
The Chola Chess FIDE Round Robin Grandmaster Tournament is a FIDE-recognized event specifically designed to offer aspiring grand masters in India a , high-level competitive environment to earn Grandmaster norms by competing against titled international players. Achieving the GM title requires securing three GM norms and crossing a 2500 FIDE rating, and this tournament is purpose-built to support that journey.
As round-robin GM norm tournaments are rare and sought after in India, this initiative marks a significant step in strengthening the country’s elite chess ecosystem and providing home-grown players with international-standard opportunities without the need to travel abroad.
The tournament will feature 9 rounds under classical time control, conducted strictly in accordance with FIDE regulations.
The tournament will bring together a strong international and Indian field, including accomplished Grandmasters and International Masters:
- GM Neuris Delgado Ramírez (Paraguay) – Peak rating of 2636
- GM Mahel Boyer (France) – Winner of the Cappelle-la-Grande Open 2025
- GM Alisher Suleymenov (Kazakhstan) – Noted for defeating World No.1 Magnus Carlsen at the 2023 Qatar Masters
- GM Joseph Girel (France) – Multiple-time French youth champion
The Indian contingent features some of the country’s most promising norm seekers:
- IM Aronyak Ghosh (West Bengal) – Holds two GM norms; reached Round 2 of the FIDE World Cup 2025 after defeating GM Mateusz Bartel
- IM Ethan Vaz (Goa) – Two GM norms; reigning National Junior (U-19) Champion with multiple international medals
- IM Mayank Chakraborty (Assam) – Two GM norms; India’s first IM from the North-East; winner of Muscat Nights Blitz Tournament 2026 after defeating five GMs
- IM Akshay Borgaonkar (Maharashtra) – One GM norm; Gold medal list at the Commonwealth Chess Championship 2025 (U-16 Open)
- IM Harsh Suresh (Tamil Nadu) – Winner of the Paracin Open 2025 in Serbia with an unbeaten score
- IM Ameya Audi (Goa) – Champion of the Ceske Budejovice IM Tournament 2025
Speaking about the occasion Mr. Vellayan Subbiah, said, “By hosting an event of international standards, Chola Chess is proud to provide young players with a platform to challenge themselves, learn, and grow. We believe in supporting talent at every level and creating opportunities that help shape the next generation of Indian chess champions. Our goal is to inspire passion, dedication, and excellence in every participant.”
Commenting on the announcement, the organisers of the tournament, R B Ramesh said, “This tournament has been carefully planned to give Indian players an authentic international playing experience while competing on home ground. From the format to the conditions of play, every detail has been curated to mirror global standards and help players focus purely on performance. We are excited to collaborate and create a tournament that not only challenges players technically but also prepares them mentally for the demands of top-level competitive chess.”
The First Chola Chess International GM Norm Round Robin Tournament 2026 sets the stage for an intense and inspiring contest, marking the beginning of a new chapter for high-level norm-driven competitive chess in India.
About Chola Chess
Many years in the making, Chola Chess is the realisation of a dream for many. We are committed to creating a platform to identify young chess talent in India in formative stages. We want to develop these youngsters into formidable chess players, through a rigorous and comprehensive programme that combines world- class coaching, mental strength & fitness training, along with communication and nutrition guidance. Chola Chess is committed to helping India’s future Grandmasters grow in skill, strategy and spirit. Our vision goes beyond chess; we want to build champions for life-highly disciplined with a strength of character.
Chola Chess is an initiative of Chola Foundation- the CSR arm of Cholamandalam Investment and Finance Company limited. It is the result of a collaboration with the brightest trainers through Chess Gurukul and the online chess coaching platform ProChess Training.
About Cholamandalam Investment and Finance & Company Limited
Cholamandalam Investment and Finance Company Limited (Chola) was incorporated in 1978 as the financial services arm of the Murugappa Group. Chola commenced business as an equipment financing company and has emerged as a comprehensive financial services provider offering Vehicle Finance, Home Loans, Loan Against Property, SME Loans, Consumer Durable Loans, Gold Loans, Secured Business and Personal Loans, Consumer & Small Enterprises Loans, Investment Advisory Services, Stock Broking and various other financial services to customers.
Chola operates from 2461 touch points across India, with assets under management above INR 227770 Crores.
The mission of Chola is to enable customers to enter a better life. Chola has a growing clientele of over 43 lakh happy customers nationwide. Since its inception and growth, the company has kept a clear eye on its values. The basic tenet of these values is a strict adherence to ethics and a responsibility to all those within its corporate ambit – Customers, Shareholders, Employees and Society.
For more details, please visit www.cholamandalam.com
For more details on Chola CSR Projects, please visit
https://www.cholamandalam.com/community-relations
About Murugappa Group
A 125-year-old conglomerate with presence across India and the world, the INR 902 billion (90,178 crore) Murugappa Group has diverse businesses in agriculture, engineering, financial services and more.
The Group has 10 listed companies: Carborundum Universal Limited, CG Power & Industrial Solutions Limited, Cholamandalam Financial Holdings Limited, Cholamandalam Investment & Finance Company Limited, Coromandel International Limited, E.I.D.-Parry (India) Limited, NACL Industries Limited, Shanthi Gears Limited, Tube Investments of India Limited, and Wendt (India) Limited. Other major companies include Cholamandalam MS General Insurance Company Limited and Parry Agro Industries Limited. Brands such as Ajax, Hercules, BSA, Montra, Montra Electric, Mach City, Chola, Chola MS, CG Power, Shanthi Gears, CUMI, Gromor, Paramfos, Parry’s are part of the Group’s illustrious stable.
Abrasives, technical ceramics, electrominerals, electric vehicles, auto components, fans, transformers, signalling equipment for railways, bicycles, fertilisers, sugar, tea, and several other products make up the Group’s business interests.
Guided by the Five lights — integrity, passion, quality, respect, and responsibility — and a culture of professionalism, the Group has a workforce of 94,041employees.
For more information, visit www.murugappa.com
