Under-12 world champion Divi Bijesh among participants in 39th National Chess Championship
The 39th National Under-11 Chess Championship has commenced in Mangaluru, featuring 600 young participants from across India. The event includes top-ranked prodigies like Divi Bijesh and Advik Amit Agrawal competing in an 11-round classical format.
Why it matters
National youth championships are critical for identifying and nurturing future grandmasters in the competitive global chess landscape.
Mangaluru Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy and grandmaster Thejkumar M.S. making ceremonial opening moves to inaugurate the 39th National Under-11 Open and Girls FIDE-rated Chess Championship in Mangaluru on Sunday. | Photo Credit: H.S. Manjunath
Chess prodigy Divi Bijesh (FIDE rating 2006) of Kerala, who recently claimed the under-12 title at the FIDE World Cup 2026 in Georgia, is among the 600 players from across the country taking part in the 39th National Under-11 Open and Girls FIDE-rated Chess Championship, which began at the Urwa Indoor Stadium in Mangaluru on Sunday. The championship will end on Saturday.
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