SBI Life Maharashtra State Schools Chess Championship 2026 Attracts 800+ Players From Over 500 Schools

Mumbai, October 31, 2026: The SBI Life Maharashtra State Schools Chess Championship 2026 is drawing record interest, with over 800 players from more than 500 schools vying for spots. Organized by Indian Chess School and hosted by Rustomjee Cambridge International School in Dahisar (West), the event will span two rounds from November 4-6 and November 13-15, 2026.

Participants will compete in 12 categories across age groups, including Under-07, Under-09 and separate Open and Girls sections. The Championship boasts 12 categories open to over 400 FIDE-rated players, including several national and international medalists, promising fierce competition among Maharashtra's top young chess talents.

The Swiss League format with a classical time control of 60 minutes plus a 30-second increment per move will determine the top two players in each category, who will represent Maharashtra at the National Schools Chess Championship 2026 in Ahmedabad in December. The Championship, sanctioned by the All India Chess Federation, Maharashtra Chess Association and Mumbai Suburban District Chess Association, offers cash prizes totaling ₹1,20,000, plus 36 trophies and 120 medals.

International Arbiter P. B. Bhilare, recently promoted to Category B by FIDE, will serve as Chief Arbiter. The live broadcast of games via DGT electronic chessboards, complete with live commentary and analysis from chess experts, will allow international viewers to follow the action. This marks SBI Life's seventh sponsorship of chess events by Indian Chess School, demonstrating its ongoing dedication to promoting chess and developing young talent.