In a significant development for the Indian chess community, reigning World Champion D Gukesh Dommaraju has withdrawn from the upcoming Tata Steel Chess India Rapid and Blitz tournament. The prestigious event is scheduled to be held in Kolkata from January 7 to 11, 2026.
Last-Minute Withdrawal and Official Statement
The organizers announced the news on social media on Friday, citing personal reasons for Gukesh's abrupt decision to pull out. While the young champion and his team have not issued a personal statement, the tournament confirmed that Nihal Sarin, one of India's top speed chess specialists, will step in as his replacement for both the Rapid and Blitz competitions.
This withdrawal comes shortly after Gukesh's participation in the FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Championship in Doha last week, where he finished 20th in the Rapid event and 53rd in the Blitz.
A Major Setback for Kolkata's Chess Fans
The announcement has been met with disappointment, particularly in the host city. Dibyendu Barua, India's second Grandmaster and the Tournament Director for Tata Steel Chess India, did not mince words when expressing his regret.
"This is definitely a big setback for the organizers and for the chess fans in Kolkata," Barua told The Indian Express. "All the chess lovers were eagerly waiting to watch Gukesh play in their city as a world champion for the first time."
He emphasized that Gukesh was one of the main attractions, and his presence was a major draw for many young players and enthusiasts. Barua also highlighted the city's vibrant sporting culture and noted that the concurrent Tata Chess Festival would have seen many participants hoping to watch Gukesh, Viswanathan Anand, and Arjun Erigaisi compete together.
Praise for Nihal Sarin and a Star-Studded Field Remains
Despite the disappointment, Barua was full of praise for Nihal Sarin's readiness to accept the last-minute invitation. "Nihal is as good a player as anyone. He is very talented, very promising and he’s good at Rapid and Blitz," Barua said. He added that securing a player of Sarin's caliber on short notice was a difficult task and commended him for agreeing to play.
Even with Gukesh's absence, the tournament boasts a formidable lineup. The Open section will now be headlined by Arjun Erigaisi, India's top-ranked player across all formats, who is fresh from a historic double bronze at the 2025 World Rapid and Blitz. The legendary Viswanathan Anand returns to action, juggling his roles as a player and event ambassador.
The field also includes Candidates 2026 qualifier R. Praggnanandhaa, Vidit Gujrathi, Aravindh Chithambaram, and strong international contenders like China's Wei Yi, Russia's Volodar Murzin, and Americans Hans Niemann and Wesley So.
In the Women's event, the Indian challenge will be led by Divya Deshmukh, R. Vaishali, and Harika Dronavalli, while the overseas contingent is spearheaded by defending champion Aleksandra Goryachkina of Russia.
The Tata Steel Chess India tournament, a sister event to the famed Tata Steel Masters in the Netherlands and known for its equal prize money for men and women, will proceed with its revised roster, promising high-octane chess action despite the unexpected change.
