Grand Inauguration of ‘Chess for Youth’ 15th Edition in Kolkata: Baichung Bhutia, GM Dibyendu Barua, and Deep Sengupta Grace the Event
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| Grand Inauguration of ‘Chess for Youth’ 15th Edition in Kolkata: Baichung Bhutia and GM Dibyendu Barua Inspire 670 Young Players |
News desk Report | Veritas Times |Kolkata, October 31, 2025
The 15th edition of “Chess for Youth”, a prestigious annual chess tournament aimed at nurturing young talents across India, was inaugurated today at the historic Town Hall, Kolkata. The event is jointly organized by Dhanuka Dhunseri Dibyendu Barua Chess Academy and Allsport Foundation, and will continue till November 3, 2025.
With over 670 players from more than 250 schools, this year’s edition stands as one of the largest youth chess tournaments in the country. The championship is divided into three categories , Junior (Under 6, 8, 10), Senior (Under 12, 14, 16), and Premier (Under 25).
Top Indian players have joined the Premier Group, including Grandmaster Mitrabha Guha, International Masters Souhardo Basak, Rajdeep Sarkar, Sanket Chakravarty, Shahil Dey, Subhayan Kundu, and Women International Master Arpita Mukherjee.
A total prize fund of ₹2,20,000 has been announced for the Premier Group, with the Champion’s Trophy and ₹50,000 for the winner. Additionally, 120 trophies will be awarded to winners in the Junior and Senior categories.
The grand inauguration was attended by Padma Shri and Arjuna Awardee Baichung Bhutia, Grandmaster Dibyendu Barua, Grandmaster Deep Sengupta (Commonwealth Chess Champion and three-time Chess for Youth Winner – 2007, 2008, 2009), Mr. Anand Dhanuka (Chairman, Dhanuka Dhunseri Group), Mr. Saurav Dev (Trustee, Allsport Foundation), Miss Phoenix Dhanuka, and several renowned chess trainers and sports organizers.
In his inaugural address, Baichung Bhutia said,
“It’s truly inspiring to see so many young players and their parents encouraging them to take part. My sincere thanks to Dibyendu Barua Chess Academy for this wonderful initiative. If there’s one sport that’s making India proud globally today, it’s chess. My best wishes to all participants, play from the heart, enjoy the game, and don’t feel pressured to win. Even losses can teach you a lot.”
He added,
“As a child, I played gymnastics, football, and chess. Even now, I can still play chess! Children should try different sports, physical games help improve focus and concentration, which is vital for chess too.”
Grandmaster Dibyendu Barua, founder of the academy, shared,
“Chess for Youth is not just a tournament anymore, it’s a platform that inspires discipline, mental growth, and a competitive spirit among the younger generation. Our dream is to see future international champions rise from this very stage.”
The ceremony was hosted by Arpita Mukherjee in a festive atmosphere where young and veteran chess enthusiasts came together to celebrate the spirit of the game.
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