The ISSO National Games Chess Competition 2026, hosted by Adani International School in Ahmedabad, unites over 425 young players from 100+ schools across 10 states. The two-day event emphasises chess skills, concentration and composure, with dignitaries including Praggnanandhaa and Namrata Adani underscoring sportmanship and discipline as core takeaways for students.
India
-Oneindia Staff
More than 425 young chess players from over 100 schools across 10-plus states have gathered in Ahmedabad to compete in the ISSO National Games Chess Competition 2026, hosted by Adani International School (ADIS).
The two-day national championship has brought together more than 800 students, parents, coaches and school representatives, providing young chess players an opportunity to compete at the national level. The competition features four age categories — Under 11, Under 14, Under 17 and Under 19 — with participants competing against peers from schools across the country. The tournament places emphasis not only on chess skills but also on concentration, decision-making and the ability to remain composed under pressure.
The ISSO National Games Chess Competition 2026, hosted by Adani International School in Ahmedabad, unites over 425 young players from 100+ schools across 10 states. The two-day event emphasises chess skills, concentration and composure, with dignitaries including Praggnanandhaa and Namrata Adani underscoring sportmanship and discipline as core takeaways for students.
The championship was inaugurated in the presence of Indian chess Grandmaster Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa and Mrs Namrata Adani, Advisory Board Member, ISSO and Promoter, Adani International School. Their interaction with participating students added to the opening ceremony and the sporting spirit of the national championship. Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Shri Harsh Sanghavi also attended the event.
Speaking on the occasion, Namrata Adani highlighted the broader lessons students can gain through chess and competitive sport. “Chess teaches young people to think ahead, make thoughtful decisions and stay composed when the outcome is uncertain. These are qualities that serve them well far beyond the chessboard,” she said. She added that competitions such as the national championship allow students to prepare with discipline, compete with confidence and learn from every game, irrespective of the result.
National Platform For Young Chess Players
The championship is bringing together students from different schools and states, allowing participants to compete, learn from one another and build connections through their shared interest in chess. For the young players, the experience goes beyond individual results, with the national-level competition offering an opportunity to experience the demands and camaraderie associated with competitive sport.
For Adani International School, hosting the ISSO National Games Chess Competition is part of its broader focus on integrating sports into education. The school aims to provide students with meaningful opportunities to compete while encouraging qualities such as discipline, confidence, resilience, leadership and sportsmanship. With the competition underway, players are progressing through the tournament rounds, where preparation, judgement and composure will be tested in every game.
About Adani International School
Adani International School provides a global learning experience with future-ready educational applications. Its curriculum integrates experiential teaching with technology and focuses on developing students’ life skills alongside academic learning. The school aims to provide holistic education and encourage students to become conscious, responsible, happy and purposeful citizens.
