India, Sept. 28 -- The Chinmaya Vidyalaya Delhi International Rating Chess Tournament for school students in Delhi-NCR is creating a palpable buzz among students, parents and chess enthusiasts alike. Scheduled from November 01 to 08, the event promises to be a landmark occasion for young chess talent across the region. With over 400 participants expected from nearly 150 schools, the response has been remarkable, reflecting the growing enthusiasm for chess among students. What makes this championship historic is that it is the first-ever International Rating tournament held exclusively for school students. Along with this milestone distinction, it also carries an unprecedented prize fund of Rs.5 lakh. Experts in the chess fraternity have called it both timely and visionary. Chief Arbiter Amit Sharma says, "A tournament of this scale, with this level of prize money, exclusively for school students, has not happened in Delhi for a very long time." Fellow Arbiter Shardul Sharma added, "This event has the potential to light up the chess landscape in Delhi NCR. Students can view this as a stepping stone toward greater achievements in their chess careers." Adding to the prestige of the event, participants will compete for International ELO ratings under FIDE regulations, a coveted benchmark in global chess standards. This makes the tournament not only competitive but also an invaluable platform for students to assess their standing on the international stage. Archana Soni, Principal of Chinmaya Vidyalaya, emphasised the significance of the event in the context of India's chess resurgence: "We had been planning this tournament for at least two years. We foresaw India's rise as a global chess power with the likes of Gukesh, Praggnanandhaa, and Vaishali pushing for world titles. With Gukesh winning both the Candidates and the World Championship, India has truly regained its glory in chess after a gap. Every school should nurture chess talent, as we may well be grooming the future world champions." The tournament will take place at the Chinmaya Centre of World Understanding, Lodhi Road, and will feature an open-format structure with no barriers of age or gender. A Grade 1 student could well find themselves competing against a senior teenager, making the event both challenging and exciting. While it is an individual championship, the school whose students secure the highest aggregate points will be honoured with a team trophy. Time controls are set at 90 minutes with a 30-second increment, in a classical format. Chinmaya Vidyalaya Vasant Vihar, part of the extensive Chinmaya Mission network of 100+ institutions nationwide, is proud to spearhead this initiative. Registration is now open and will close by 15th October 2025 or earlier once capacity is met, on a first-come-first-registered basis. Each participant will receive a certificate recognised by the Delhi Chess Association and the All India Chess Federation, while the top 60 players will share the cash prize pool. The Chinmaya Vidyalaya International Rating Tournament is not just about competition. It is about inspiring a generation of young minds to think critically, dream ambitiously, and compete fearlessly. With India firmly positioned as a global chess powerhouse, this initiative ensures that the torch of excellence is passed on to the next wave of champions. Delhi-NCR is ready, and the chess world is watching. Students may register using the following link for participation in the tournament: https://chess.chinmayavvdelhi.ac.in/...