The commencement of the first-ever Senior National Arbiters Seminar in Port Blair is indeed a major development for chess arbitration in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It’s impressive to see 31 participants from two states coming together for this seminar and exam, which will significantly boost the local chess ecosystem. With more qualified arbiters, local tournaments can be conducted with greater precision and professionalism, which is crucial for the growth of chess in the region.
Having an experienced International Arbiter like IA Swapnil Bansod as the lecturer is undoubtedly a strong advantage. His expertise will help participants grasp the nuances of arbitration, ensuring that they are well-prepared for the Senior National Arbiter and National Arbiter titles. This kind of initiative is not only beneficial for the arbiters but will also elevate the quality of chess competitions, opening more doors for both players and officials in the islands.
It’s great to see these kinds of opportunities expanding across different regions of India, and initiatives like these will help ensure that chess continues to thrive at both the grassroots and national levels.




Commonwealth Chess Championship – 2026 – 27 in Kaluthara, Sri Lanka from 16th to 26th May, 2026.
GM Suleymenov Alisher Clinches Title at the 1st Chola Chess International Grandmaster Round Robin Tournament 2026.
TENTATIVE NATIONAL CALENDAR FOR 2026-27
Round 3 : 1st Chola Chess International Grandmaster Norm Round Robin Tournament 2026, Chennai.
Day 2:1st Chola Chess International Grandmaster Norm Closed Circuit Chess Tournament, Chennai
Fide Arbiter Seminar in Pune 28 Feb -02 March 2026 & Thoothukudi 07-09 March 2026