HSNC University, Mumbai recently hosted the West Zone Inter-University Men’s Chess Tournament 2025–26, organised under the aegis of the Association of Indian Universities (AIU). The prestigious tournament brought together some of the finest young chess minds from Universities across Western India and concluded with a vibrant closing ceremony celebrating excellence, sportsmanship and strategic brilliance.
Speaking on the successful completion of the tournament, Col. Dr. Hemlata K. Bagla, Vice Chancellor, HSNC University said “Hosting the West Zone Inter-University Men’s Chess Tournament has been a matter of immense pride for HSNC University. Chess is a game that nurtures patience, strategic thinking and intellectual discipline, values that resonate strongly with academic excellence. We are delighted that participants from across the region experienced our campus as a venue of international standards. The enthusiasm and sportsmanship displayed by the students truly reflect the bright future of University sports in India.”
The tournament witnessed remarkable participation, with 105 Universities enrolling for the event and 81 Universities competing, reflecting the growing popularity and competitive spirit of chess across campuses. A total of 440 student players, along with 98 coaches and managers, participated, bringing the overall delegation strength to 538 participants.
Hosted at HSNC University’s Worli campus, which has world-class facilities, the tournament was widely appreciated by players, coaches and officials alike. Teams praised the professional organisation, playing conditions and infrastructure, noting that the venue and arrangements were comparable to international standards. From the air-conditioned playing halls to comfortable accommodation and attentive hospitality, the tournament created an electric atmosphere that allowed players to focus entirely on the game.
The competition followed a nine-round Swiss format, which ensured that players competed against opponents of similar performance levels across multiple rounds. Compared to the more common seven-round format, a nine-round tournament provides greater competitive depth and fairness, as it allows more games to be played and reduces the possibility of ties or ranking distortions. The extended format ensured that the most consistent and strategically strong teams rose to the top after a demanding series of matches.
Prizes were handed over by Vice Chancellor Dr. Bagla, in the presence of referees, arbiters, students and sports enthusiasts. The championship showcased outstanding performances across all boards.
After nine intense rounds of competition, the tournament concluded with the following teams securing the top positions in the West Zone:
1. Parul University -Champions
2. Marwadi University -Runners-up
3. University of Mumbai - Third Place
4. Bharati Vidyapeeth, Pune - Fourth Place
These teams demonstrated exceptional strategic depth, consistency and teamwork throughout the nine-round Swiss format tournament, emerging at the top among the 81 participating Universities. Their performances reflected the high standard of University-level chess in the West Zone and made the championship a fiercely competitive contest until the final round.
The board prize list after Round 9 included:
Board 1: FM Arun Kataria - Marwadi University (9/9, 100%)
Board 2: FM Jani Kushal R - Marwadi University (8/9)
Board 3: Harshit Singh - Manipal University Jaipur
Board 4: Gitte Shrinivas - Swami Ramanand Teerth Marathwada University
Board 5: ACM Barad Shyam Naran - Junagadh Agricultural University
Rahul Vaghela, a visually challenged student of Gujarat University, received a special prize from Vice Chancellor Dr. Hemlata K. Bagla, in recognition of his outstanding performance. He hails from Medpar village, near Jodia in Jamnagar district, Gujarat. Coming from a family engaged in the broom-making and selling business, Rahul had earlier assisted them in their work. Remarkably, no one in his family has any prior connection with chess and Rahul developed his interest making his achievement even more inspiring.
Participants and team officials expressed deep appreciation to HSNC University for the efficient tournament management, fair arbitrating standards and warm hospitality extended by HSNC University. Many teams shared that the event set a benchmark for University-level chess tournaments, highlighting the quality of the playing environment, technology support and overall organisation.
Dr. K. V. Siva Kishore, AIU Observer, lauded the Vice Chancellor, HSNC University and the University administration for their impeccable management of the recent chess championship. He remarked: “The University’s meticulous planning, smooth conduct of events, and seamless coordination with officials made this championship a benchmark for excellence. From the registration process to the match logistics, everything reflected a strong commitment to fostering sportsmanship and providing a world-class experience for participants. The administration ensured that players, officials, and spectators all felt welcomed and supported throughout, setting a model for other institutions to follow.”
He further highlighted the broader impact of such well-organised events: “When a University creates an environment where competitions are run professionally, efficiently and with genuine care for participants, it elevates not just the sport, but the reputation of the institution itself. HSNC University has demonstrated how academic institutions can combine organization, hospitality and passion for sports to produce truly memorable events.”
Reflecting on the spirit of competition, Dr. Sandeep Shinde, Director, Sports and Physical Education said,“In sport, as in life, not everyone can emerge as a winner, but everyone can emerge as a learner. Every game teaches strategy, patience, resilience and the ability to rise stronger after a setback. Recently, the cricket team from Jammu and Kashmir created history by winning the Ranji Trophy after a wait of 67 years, proving that perseverance and belief can turn dreams into reality. In the same spirit, every participant in this championship leaves with valuable lessons and experiences that will shape their future.”
The tournament concluded with a grand Prize Distribution and Closing Ceremony, celebrating the remarkable talent and sportsmanship displayed throughout the championship. With nine demanding rounds of high-level competition, the event highlighted the depth of chess talent emerging from universities across the West Zone. Participants and officials widely appreciated the seamless organisation, world-class playing conditions and warm hospitality extended by HSNC University. The successful hosting of the championship has further strengthened the University’s reputation as a premier venue for major inter-university sporting events, while reinforcing its commitment to nurturing both intellectual excellence and sporting spirit among students.
By successfully organising this major inter-university championship, HSNC University has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting sports, intellectual competition and holistic student development. The tournament not only highlighted exceptional chess talent but also strengthened inter-university camaraderie across the West Zone.
