🏆 Akshayakalpa Karnataka State Chess Championship 2026 🏆

Ayaan Phutane Crowned Champion on the Eve of His 10th Birthday 🎉

The Akshayakalpa Karnataka State Chess Championship 2026, organized by Innovators Chess Academy, Bengaluru, concluded today at the Prestige Srihari Khoday Center for Performing Arts, Kanakapura Road, after nine demanding rounds of high-quality competitive chess.

In a historic and heartening achievement, Ayaan Phutane was crowned the Karnataka State Chess Champion 2026 on the eve of his tenth birthday, becoming the youngest player ever to win the prestigious state title. The timing of his triumph made the achievement even more special, turning his birthday eve into an unforgettable milestone in Karnataka’s chess history.

Ayaan produced an outstanding performance throughout the championship, finishing with an impressive 8 points out of 9. He remained unbeaten across all nine rounds, scoring seven wins and two draws, displaying remarkable consistency, strategic clarity, and composure far beyond his years.

The final round added considerable drama to the title race. On the top board, Sudharshan Bhat (2157) defeated the sole leader Advait Ratnakar Vibhute (1906). On the second board, Siddhanth Poonja (2198) overcame Prashanth J Naik (1950), while Ayaan Phutane (1970) scored a crucial victory over Arul Anandh S P K (2159). Krishna (1979) also registered an important win against Venkata Naga Karthik Malladi (1922).

At the conclusion of the championship, Ayaan Phutane, Krishna, Sudharshan Bhat, and Siddhanth Poonja all finished on 8 points. Ayaan secured the title on the basis of a superior tie-break score, completing a remarkable and historic run.

Winning the state championship on the eve of his tenth birthday gives Ayaan’s achievement a rare and beautiful place in Karnataka chess. It is not merely a title won; it is a moment that will be remembered as the arrival of a prodigious young talent on the state’s biggest stage.

The chief guest for the prize distribution ceremony was Dr. Sumalini, Director of Silicon City Academy of Secondary Education. The prizes were distributed in a glittering ceremony by Dr. Sumalini, International Arbiter Vasanth B.H., and Archit Saigal, representing Innovators Chess Academy, the organising team behind the championship.

Results of Final round