Maharashtra Chess Association

19/03/2026

♟️ Battle of the Best Begins at Raipur! 🇮🇳🔥

The 45th National Team Chess Championship 2026 & 23rd National Women Team Chess Championship 2026 are underway at Raipur, Chhattisgarh from 16th to 22nd March 2026, bringing together the finest teams from across the nation!

🏆 Massive Participation
🔹 Open Category – 46 Teams
🔹 Women Category – 21 Teams

💪 Maharashtra Steps In Strong!
Our state proudly fields two formidable teams in both categories, ready to challenge the best on the national stage.

♟️ Open Team (Avg Rating: 2134)
Pruthu Deshpande | Majumder Shrayan | Bartakke Aditya | Mahindrakar Indrajeet | Boricha Yohan

♟️ Women Team (Avg Rating: 1736)
Kale Shruti | Waghle Bhumika | Gawande Devanshi | Jagadale Ishwari

👨‍⚖️ Pride Beyond the Board
Adding to Maharashtra’s presence, IA Swapnil Bansod and IA Kaviraj Savant are officiating as arbiters, upholding the spirit of fair play and excellence.

✨ With a perfect blend of experience, talent, and fighting spirit, Team Maharashtra is all set to make its mark!

💙 Maharashtra Chess Association wishes all our players and arbiters the very best!
May your moves be sharp, your strategies brilliant, and your journey memorable! ♟️🔥

13/03/2026

♟️ Maharashtra Ready for the Nationals! 🇮🇳🔥

The stage is set for the National Rapid & Blitz Chess Championships 2025–26 taking place in Ranchi, Jharkhand from 11–13 March.

Representing Maharashtra Chess Association, some of our finest players are ready to battle it out on the national stage:

♟️ Abhimanyu Puranik – Grandmaster
♟️ Nubair Shah Shaik – International Master
♟️ Nikhil Dixit – International Master
♟️ Indrajeet Mahindrakar

These talented players carry the pride of Maharashtra as they compete against the best from across the country in this prestigious national championship. Rapid moves, sharp tactics, and intense blitz battles await! ⚡♟️

Wishing our players the very best for a successful tournament! 🏆

♟️🔥🇮🇳

01/03/2026

Day 2 of the FIDE Arbiter Seminar in Pune was truly inspiring and enriching ♟️✨

We were honoured by the presence of Abhijit Kunte – Grandmaster, Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Awardee 🏆, Captain of the Gold Medal winning Indian Women’s Team at the Chess Olympiad 2024, and Executive Committee Member, MCA.

GM Abhijit Kunte shared his valuable insights on the seminar, highlighting the crucial role arbiters play in maintaining fairness, discipline, and the true spirit of the game ♟️📖

His words reinforced the importance of strong officiating in shaping champions and elevating Indian chess to greater heights 🇮🇳🔥

An enriching session that motivated all 21 participants to continue striving for excellence — not just on the board, but behind it as well.

28/02/2026

Pune hosts the prestigious FIDE Arbiter Seminar from 28th February to 2nd March 2026 at Royal Connaught Boat Club ♟️📚

With 21 participants from across India, the seminar aims to strengthen the standards of chess officiating in the country.

The sessions are led by Chief Lecturer Gopakumar M S (IA) and Assistant Lecturer Srivatsan R (IA).

Organised by A.S. Enterprises for Maharashtra Chess Association under the aegis of the All India Chess Federation, the seminar is coordinated by IA Atharva Godbole.

The Opening Ceremony was graced by:
♟️ Niranjan Godbole – Secretary, MCA
♟️ Rajendra Shidore (IA) – Organising Secretary, PDCC
♟️ Nitin Shenvi (IA) - Rating Officer AICF

MCA continues its commitment to developing excellence both on and off the board.

24/11/2025

✨ A New Chapter for Maharashtra Chess Association ✨

On 23rd November 2025, Maharashtra Chess Association successfully completed its elections at Jalgaon, Maharashtra, marking the beginning of a renewed and united journey for chess in the state. ♟️🔥

We are proud to introduce the newly elected committee, representing vision, integrity, and commitment towards the growth of chess across every district of Maharashtra.
Alongside the elected body, distinguished district representatives from across the state were present, reaffirming MCA’s collective strength and unity.

This important event was graced by:
👤 Mr. Ashok Jain, Patron – MCA
👤 Mr. A. K. Raizada from AICF, serving as the official observer

Together, we look forward to driving new initiatives, empowering players, and building a stronger chess ecosystem in Maharashtra.
Here’s to progress, teamwork, and a future filled with excellence. 🌟♟️

Presenting the New MCA Committee:
👤President: Dr. Parinay Fuke (Gondia)
👤Working President: Siddharth Mayur (Jalgaon)
👤Hon. Gen. Secretary: Niranjan Godbole (Pune)
👤Treasurer: Bharat Chougule (Kolhapur)

Vice Presidents: Sunil Raisoni (Nagpur), Chidambar Kotibhaskar (Sangli), Shriram Khare (Ratnagiri)

Joint Secretaries: Satish Thakur (Jalna), Dr. Deepak Tandel (Thane), Ashwin Musale (Chandrapur)

EC Members: GM Abhijit Kunte, GM Vidit Gujarathi, IM Soumya Swaminathan, WGM Swati Ghate

Appointed Members:
Rajendra Konde (Vice President)
Ankush Raktade (Joint Secretary)
Ravindra Dharmadhikari (Joint Secretary)

Here’s to a visionary team and a promising new era for chess in Maharashtra. 🚀♟️

20/11/2025

🌟 Champions of Maharashtra, Pride of India! 🇮🇳♟️
Maharashtra Chess Association proudly celebrates two of our rising stars who shone brilliantly at the Commonwealth Chess Championship 2025 – Malaysia 🇲🇾✨

🥇 Under-16 Champion – IM Akshay Borgaonkar
A golden performance by Akshay, showcasing exceptional skill, determination, and true sporting spirit. Your victory is an inspiration for every young mind aiming to climb the chess ladder! 👏🔥♟️

🥈 Under-08 Silver Medalist – Anvi Deepak Hinge
At such a young age, Anvi has displayed maturity and confidence beyond her years. A remarkable achievement that reflects hard work, passion, and an unbreakable fighting spirit! 🌙💫🤍

💛 Both champions have brought immense pride to Maharashtra and India on the international stage. Congratulations to the players, their coaches, and their families for this outstanding feat! 🙌🇮🇳

✨ MCA applauds your success and wishes you many more glorious achievements ahead. Keep inspiring, keep rising! ♟️💫

28/09/2025

✨ Team Maharashtra at the 62nd National Chess Championship 2025 ✨
📍 Guntur, Andhra Pradesh | 🗓 21st Sept – 1st Oct
Proudly representing Maharashtra with a strong squad of talented players, supported by officials and organisers. A true celebration of teamwork, sportsmanship, and chess excellence. ♟️💙
Players Representing Maharashtra:
Jain Kashish Manoj • Kshatriya Nitin Vekhande • Sharnarthi Viresh • Jaiveer Mahendru • Bhoir Paras Dilip • Abhishek Kelkar • Majumder Shrayan • Gaikwad Manas • Deshmukh Anup • Badole Shaunak • Mahindrakar Indrajeet • Bhat Sannidhi Ramakrishna • Guru Prakash • Sharnarthi Shlok • Vivaan Vijay Saraogi • Vivaan Sardana • Sharma Sai • Jagesia Daksh • Dolas Aarush • Kabnurakar Rushikesh • Shah Veer Kunjan • Wankhade Sanskruti • Kherdekar Arnav • Kushagra Paliwal • Sh*tiz Prasad • Gada Om • Reyaansh Venkat • Patil Jaiveer • Om Sagar • Parv H Hakani • Saniya Rafique Tadavi • Heet Baldawa • Caleb Vihaan John • Arjun Singh • Borate Tanvi
With IA Swapnil Bansod - FairPlay
Best wishes to all our warriors as they battle it out on the national stage! 🙌🔥

24/09/2025

🎉 Successful Conclusion of the FIDE Trainers Seminar – Pune 2025 ♟️

The FIDE Trainers Seminar hosted in Pune from 19th–21st September 2025 came to a grand conclusion with the closing ceremony graced by Mr. Girish Chitale, Vice President MCA & Entrepreneur – Owner of Chitale Dairy.

📸 The event ended with a memorable group photo featuring all 45 participants, along with Chief Trainer GM FST Abhijit Kunte and Assistant Trainer FT IM Neeraj Mishra.

Over 3 days, aspiring trainers from across India gained invaluable knowledge on chess training, mental conditioning, and pedagogy — moving a step closer to becoming certified FIDE Trainers.

👏 A special word of appreciation for IA Deepti Shidore & IA FPE Atharva Godbole and IA Rajendra Shidore, Organising Secretary PDCC whose outstanding efforts ensured smooth organisation and success of the seminar.

🙏 Thank you to all dignitaries, trainers, and participants who made this seminar a landmark event for Indian chess training.

19/09/2025

📸 Celebrating Knowledge, Training & Chess Excellence in Pune! 🏆

Organized by Pune District Chess Circle, for Maharashtra Chess Association - FIDE Trainers Seminar from 19th to 21st September 2025 in Pune, under the aegis of AICF, FIDE & FIDE Trainers Commission.

✨ The 3-day seminar witnessed 45 aspiring trainers from across India, learning the art and science of chess training, followed by examinations for the prestigious FIDE Trainer titles.

👥 Dignitaries & Guests:

Chief Guest: Shiv Chhatrapati Awardee Swimmer Manoj Erande

Guest of Honour: IRS Kiran Shinde

Chief Trainer: Olympiad Gold Winning Coach GM FST Abhijit Kunte

Assistant Trainer: FT IM Neeraj Mishra

Niranjan Godbole – Secretary, MCA

Manish Kumar – Jt. Secretary, AICF

IA Rajendra Shidore – PDCC Org. Secretary

💡 Behind the success of the seminar stood the dedicated efforts of IA Deepti Shidore & IA FPE Atharva Godbole (Program Coordinators from PDCC),

🙏 A big thank you to all trainers, participants, and officials who made this event a grand success. This seminar will surely pave the way for a new generation of certified chess trainers in India.

17/09/2025

✨ H2e Power Systems Maharashtra State Junior (U-19) FIDE Rating Selection Chess Championship 2025 ✨

From a grand inauguration to a glorious prize distribution, the championship in Nanded witnessed the best of Maharashtra’s young chess talent! 🏆♟️

🌟 Inauguration Ceremony graced by:
Hon. Shri. Dr. Manohar Chaskar, Vice Chancellor, Swami Ramanand Tirth Marathwada University, Nanded – as the President,
along with eminent dignitaries: Dr. Ashok Mahajan (Pro Vice Chancellor), Dr. D. D. Pawar (Pro Registrar), Dr. Bhaskar Mane (In-charge Sports Director), Dr. Sahebrao More (President, District Chess Association), Dr. J. N. Kulkarni (Director, Knowledge Resource Center), Dr. Dinkar Hambarde (Secretary, Chess Association).
👨‍⚖️ Chief Arbiter – IA Nitin Shenvi.

🌟 Prize Distribution Ceremony was graced by Dr. Sahebrao More, Dr. Dinesh Chavan, and Dr. Dinkar Hambarde.

🥇 Champions:

Open Category: Dishank & Sachin Bajaj (Nagpur)

Girls Category: Shreya G. Hipparagi (Sangli)

👥 Participation:
246 players (152 in Open, 94 in Girls) battled it out with passion, focus, and sportsmanship.

💫 A proud moment for Maharashtra Chess Association as we continue to nurture and promote our rising chess stars!

10/09/2025

🏆✨ Champions of Maharashtra, Pride of India! ✨🏆

🌟 Shaunak Badole (Nagpur) – Crowned Champion of the Open category!
🌟 Mysha Paevez (Mumbai) – Shining bright as Runner-Up in the Girls category!

A truly glorious moment at the 38th National U-13 Chess Championship 2025, Goa.
Your hard work, focus, and fighting spirit have made Maharashtra Chess shine on the national stage 💛♟🔥

Let’s celebrate our young heroes who are scripting the future of chess! 🚀🙌
Abhijit Kunte

20/07/2025