The prestigious National Junior Chess Championship 2025 concluded on a high note in Jamshedpur, crowning two new national champions. International Master (IM) Ethan Vaz from Goa triumphed in the boys' category, while Woman FIDE Master (WFM) Shubhi Gupta from Uttar Pradesh secured the top spot among the girls. The tournament, held at Wave International, wrapped up on Tuesday, December 25, 2025.
Champions Emerge with Dominant Performances
In a display of strategic mastery, IM Ethan Vaz claimed the boys' national title with an impressive score of 10.5 points. The Goan prodigy, who holds a FIDE rating of 2500, showcased consistent brilliance throughout the competition. The battle for the runner-up position was secured by IM Mayank Chakravarty from Assam, who finished with 9 points and a rating of 2465. Completing the podium was Vignesh Advaith Vemula of Telangana, who took third place with 8.5 points (rating 2428).
The girls' section witnessed an equally compelling contest. WFM Shubhi Gupta from Uttar Pradesh emerged victorious, scoring 9.5 points with a rating of 2259. The first runner-up position went to WFM Nivedita V.C. representing Tamil Nadu, who finished with 9 points (rating 2003). Woman Candidate Master (WCM) Pratiti Bordoloi of Karnataka earned the third spot on the podium with 8.5 points and a rating of 2043.
Dignitaries Highlight Chess's Legacy and Future
The closing ceremony was graced by prominent political figures who emphasized the sport's significance. Former Jharkhand Chief Minister and former Union Minister Arjun Munda attended as the chief guest. He was joined by Jharkhand Defence Minister Sanjay Seth and senior leader Saryu Rai, a former Jharkhand Cabinet Minister.
Addressing the gathering, Arjun Munda celebrated chess's Indian origins and its value beyond the board. "Chess is not merely a game of patience," he stated. "It represents precise strategy, deep concentration, foresight, and mental balance." He further noted that such championships build discipline and decision-making skills in youth, and the talent on display hinted at a bright future for Indian chess on the international stage.
Minister Sanjay Seth echoed these sentiments, highlighting chess as an avenue for global recognition. He assured continued governmental support for large-scale tournaments and pointed out Jharkhand's potential to become a major hub for national sporting events.
A Launchpad for India's Chess Prodigies
The National Junior Chess Championship serves as a critical platform for identifying and nurturing the next generation of Indian chess talent. The victories of Ethan Vaz and Shubhi Gupta mark significant milestones in their burgeoning careers, setting the stage for their future endeavors in national and international circuits. The presence of high-ranking officials at the prize distribution underscores the growing institutional recognition and support for mind sports in India, promising a robust ecosystem for young chess aspirants across the country.
