Rameshbabu Vaishali has won the Women's Candidates Tournament 2026, securing the right to challenge for the Women’s World Chess Championship title. The historic victory marks a major milestone for Indian chess, with Vaishali becoming one of the country’s leading figures in the global women’s chess circuit.


India: Rameshbabu Vaishali Secures 2026 Women’s Candidates Victory

Rameshababu Vaishali has won the Women's Candidates Tournament 2026, securing the right to challenge for the Women’s World Chess Championship title. The historic victory marks a major milestone for Indian chess, with Vaishali becoming one of the country’s leading figures in the global women’s chess circuit.

India: Rameshababu Vaishali Wins The 2026 Women's Candidates

In a remarkable achievement, 11-year-old Bodhana Sivanandan has become the top-ranked female chess player in the UK, overtaking Lan Yao. Her rise at such a young age has stunned the chess world, highlighting her exceptional talent and dedication. The milestone not only marks a personal triumph but also shines a spotlight on the growing influence of young prodigies in global chess.


Indian-Origin Prodigy Bodhana Sivanandan Becomes UK’s Top Female Chess Player At Just 11 

Football star Erling Haaland is making a bold move into chess by investing in Norway Chess and launching the Total Chess World Championship Tour. Backed by FIDE, the new global tour will feature top players competing across multiple formats. With big prize pools and global events, this could transform chess into a major spectator sport.

Erling Haaland Invests in Chess! New Total World Championship Tour Announced 

New research from the University of Cambridge reveals that chess in the Middle Ages was more than just a game -- it was a space of equality and mutual respect. Through manuscripts like the 'Libro de Axedrez', historians found depictions of players from different races and religions competing as equals. The study shows that while society was divided, chess created an intellectual arena where skill mattered more than status. A fascinating look at how a simple game challenged social hierarchies centuries ago.


Medieval Chess Reveals a World of Equality

GCL will see six teams compete across 34 matches for the grand prize, starting December 14th, at Mumbai’s Royal Opera House. 

Global Chess League kicks off; championship trophy unveiled at grand opening in Mumbai

India's no. 1 GM Arjun Erigaisi beats world no. 1 Magnus Carlsen in the fifth round of the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam in Cape Town.


Freestyle chess: India's Erigaisi defeats Magnus Carlsen in Cape Town

The achievement highlights India’s rising presence in the chess world and showcases the extraordinary talent emerging from the country’s grassroots. Sarwagya has participated in several competitions across Madhya Pradesh, including events in Bhopal and Mangaluru.

Sarwagya Singh Kushwaha becomes world’s youngest FIDE-rated chess player at 3

The World Chess Federation (FIDE) has filed a formal complaint against former World Champion Vladimir Kramnik after he made unproven cheating allegations against several players, including Daniel Naroditsky, who tragically passed away last month at the age of 29. Earlier, WION’s Nikhil Mathur spoke to FIDE Deputy President and five-time World Champion Viswanathan Anand, who reflected on Naroditsky’s life, legacy, and the growing controversy in the chess world.

Chess Federation Files Complaint Against Vladimir Kramnik Over Naroditsky Cheating Allegations

The Experience Center is designed to foster collaboration with universities, chess federations, and technology partners, promoting the study of AI in chess, digital coaching tools, fan engagement innovations, and esports integration.

Viswanathan Anand inaugurates first-of-its-kind Global Chess League experience center in US

Former world chess champion Vladimir Kramnik is under investigation by FIDE after repeatedly accusing American grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky of cheating in the year before Naroditsky’s sudden death. FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich confirmed that Kramnik’s statements have been referred to the Ethics and Disciplinary Commission. The chess community reacts to this developing story and its impact on the game.

FIDE Investigates Vladimir Kramnik Over Daniel Naroditsky’s Death | Chess World Reacts

The chess world mourns the sudden loss of Daniel Naroditsky, a beloved US grandmaster, educator, and online chess personality, who passed away at just 29. Known as "Danya" to his fans, Daniel inspired thousands through his streams, tutorials, and brilliant gameplay. Join us as we celebrate his incredible legacy and remember his impact on chess and the online community.

Grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky Dead at 29 | Chess World Demands Answers 

With this win, Divya also became the youngest Indian woman to reach the title clash of this prestigious tournament.

History for India! Divya Deshmukh becomes first from country to reach FIDE Women’s Chess World Cup Final

Chess king Carlsen punches table in frustration after losing to India’s D Gukesh in Norway Open – Video goes viral

While physical sports often dominate attention, several indoor sports rely on strategic thinking and mental discipline. These games test decision-making, pattern recognition, and the ability to anticipate an opponent’s actions. Here are seven such indoor sports where mind skills play a central role.

‘Chess, Poker, Dota 2 and more’: 7 indoor sports that require strategy and mind skills

The Taliban government has suspended chess in Afghanistan, citing concerns over gambling. This move is part of a broader crackdown on sports and cultural activities, with women already barred from participating in sports altogether. Watch to know more!

Taliban government has banned Chess in Afghanistan over gambling concerns

World, Sports: Anna, who finished as the runner-up last year in first edition of Norway Chess Women's tournament, expects a strong and unpredictable competition this year

'You have to be ready to sacrifice your childhood', Ukrainian chess GM Anna Muzychuk on price of success

Former world chess champion Boris Spassky, a Soviet-era legend, has passed away at the age of 88 in Moscow. Best known for his historic 1972 match against Bobby Fischer, Spassky was the 10th world champion and a key figure in Cold War chess rivalries. His legacy continues to inspire generations of players.

Soviet chess legend Boris Spassky passes away at 88 in Moscow

Sports, Chess: Spassky is best remembered for his duel with American Bobby Fischer in 1972, which was emblematic of the confrontation between East and West.

Boris Spassky, Soviet grandmaster, dies at 88 - Russian Chess Federation

Sports: In an exclusive interview with WION's Athira Sasidharan, co-founder Manu Gurtu reveals how it all began and what the future of Indian chess holds.

Exclusive | India’s chess revolution: Manu Gurtu opens up on rise and challenges

Sports: Vantika Agrawal, a member of the Indian Chess Olympiad-winning side, spoke exclusively to WION after receiving the prestigious Arjuna Award on Friday (Jan 17).

Exclusive: Arjuna Award winner Vantika Agrawal sets sight on Grandmaster title

India's rising chess star Vantika Agarwal opens up about her historic win at the Chess Olympiad, receiving the prestigious Arjuna Award, and her aspirations for the future. Vantika shares her journey, the team’s camaraderie, and insights on Magnus Carlsen’s controversies. Don’t miss this candid conversation with Wion's Nikhil Mathur.

Vantika Agarwal reflects on Arjuna Award & Olympiad victory | Exclusive interview

Two-time World Rapid Champion Koneru Humpy opens up about her remarkable journey in chess, her heartfelt moments with her child, and a memorable meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Watch as she shares insights on balancing motherhood, family, and the world of chess. Wion's Nikhil Mathur with the exclusive interview.

Koneru Humpy opens up to WION in an exclusive conversation

Chess, Sports | Magnus Carlsen rubbishes match-fixing allegations, reacts to backstage chat with Ian Nepomniachtchi during 2024 World Blitz Championship

Carlsen rubbishes match-fixing allegations, reacts to backstage chat with Nepomniachtchi

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