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.




Final report :SNA Seminar, Bhubneshwar on 17 & 18 January 2026
FIDE World Youth Chess Championships – 2026 in Montesilvano, Italy from 14th to 27th June, 2026
21st Asian Continental Chess Championships (Men’s and Women’s) – 2026 in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia from 28th May to 07th June 2026
Link for live games of 45th National Team Chess Championship 2026 & 23rd National Womens Team Chess Championship 2026