Key Highlights
- 41 players from 28 schools and academies took part in the tournament.
- Children in the Under-7 and Under-13 categories showed impressive focus, discipline, and tactical understanding.
- The tournament witnessed strong performances from young girls across categories, reflecting growing interest in chess among girls.
- Anirudh, aged 4 years and 9 months, and Preksha Dutta, aged 3 years and 9 months, became the centre of attention for their confidence and participation.
- Around 40 players from 26 schools and academies are expected to participate in the Under-9 and Under-15 categories.
Greater Noida, June 9, 2026: The first day of the 1st Cambridge School Open Chess Tournament 2026 brought together young chess enthusiasts from across schools and academies, turning Cambridge School, Greater Noida, into a vibrant arena of strategy, focus, and sportsmanship.
The tournament was formally inaugurated by Rashmi Bhardwaj, Headmistress of Cambridge School, along with Kushank Rustagi, Sports Executive (SAE). The opening day saw an enthusiastic response from students, parents, coaches, and school representatives.
A total of 41 players from 28 different schools and academies participated on Day 1, competing in the Under-7 and Under-13 categories. Despite their young age, the participants displayed impressive concentration, patience, and confidence at the chessboard.
Also Read: Cambridge School Gr. Noida to Host 1st Open Chess Tournament from June 9!
Young Players Show Skill and Confidence
The tournament began on a high note as children competed with determination and discipline. From carefully planned opening moves to intense endgame battles, several matches kept parents and spectators engaged throughout the day.
What stood out was not just the competitive spirit, but also the calmness and maturity shown by the young players. Many of them handled pressure with remarkable confidence, proving that chess continues to attract serious talent at a very early age.
Results of Day 1
Under-7 Boys Category
- Winner: Pratyaksh Dutta – Amity International School, Noida
- 1st Runner-Up: Daksh Toshniwal – Ramagya School, Noida
Under-7 Girls Category
- Winner: Ritisha – Cambridge School, Indirapuram
- 1st Runner-Up: Trissha Mohtaa – Joy Ride School
Under-13 Boys Category
- Winner: Divyansh Singh – Modern Vidya Niketan Sr. Sec. School
- 1st Runner-Up: Adhyansh Jain – Gyanshree School
Under-13 Girls Category
- Winner: Aadhya Aggarwal – Kothari International School
- 1st Runner-Up: Vaibhavi Jeet Tripathi – Amity International School, Noida
Youngest Participants Win Hearts
One of the most heartwarming moments of the day was the participation of the tournament’s youngest players. Anirudh from Ambience Public School, Delhi, aged 4 years and 9 months, and Preksha Dutta from Amity International School, aged 3 years and 9 months, received special appreciation for their courage and enthusiasm.
Preksha’s performance became one of the major highlights of the day as she also secured third place in her category, making her one of the standout performers of the opening day.
Also Read: R Praggnanandhaa Scripts History, Becomes First Indian to Win Norway Chess Title
Organisers Expect Strong Participation on Day 2
Speaking about the response to the tournament, Mr. Kushank Rustagi, Sports Executive (SAE), said that the participation and enthusiasm on the opening day were extremely encouraging. He shared that the organisers are expecting around 40 participants from 26 different schools and academies on the second day of the championship.
Day 2 will feature matches in the Under-9 and Under-15 categories, where another group of young chess players will compete for top honours at Cambridge School, Greater Noida.
Why It Matters?
The tournament is more than just a school-level competition. It highlights how chess is gaining popularity among children at a very young age. Events like these help students develop patience, problem-solving skills, decision-making ability, and emotional control.
For parents and schools, such tournaments offer a platform to identify and encourage young talent. For the children, it is an opportunity to experience healthy competition, learn from others, and build confidence beyond the classroom.
The enthusiastic participation on Day 1 shows that chess is becoming an important part of student development, especially in urban school ecosystems where parents and educators are increasingly recognising the value of mind sports.