In August 2025, Jalgaon district in Maharashtra hosted the 38th National Under‑11 Chess Championship, a major national event for young chess talent from across India. The championship took place from 2 to 8 August 2025 at the Anubhūti School venue in Jain Hills, Shirsoli Road, Jalgaon under the aegis of the All India Chess Federation and with support from the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports.
The event was inaugurated with grandeur by Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Raksha Nikhil Khadse, who formally declared the championship open during a ceremony attended by dignitaries including Member of Parliament Smita Wagh, leading chess officials, and sports association representatives.
More than 550 young chess players from states and union territories such as Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Delhi, Goa, Gujarat, Kerala, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Punjab, Rajasthan, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, and others converged in Jalgaon, with nearly **400 participants already holding official FIDE (International Chess Federation) ratings—a reflection of the event’s competitive standard.
The championship was conducted in a Swiss League format over 11 rounds, allowing players to earn and improve international ratings while showcasing strategic skill and sportsmanship. Notable young players, including high‑rated participants, competed for top honours.
A total prize fund of ₹8 lakhs was offered, with awards not only for champions and runners‑up, but also for commendable performances across the field—celebrating excellence and encouraging broader participation.
In her keynote speech, Raksha Khadse emphasized the importance of nurturing sporting talent from a young age and highlighted government schemes like Khelo Bharat Niti 2025 and Khelo India designed to strengthen grassroots sports culture and provide infrastructure for emerging athletes.
The championship in Jalgaon not only provided a platform for future chess stars to compete at a high level, but also marked a significant milestone for the region in promoting youth sports and intellectual games, helping inspire the next generation of Indian chess talent.