The Karnataka State Under-09 Open & Girls Chess Championship 2026 was successfully conducted from 12th to 15th June 2026 at Soundarya Central School, Bengaluru, under the aegis of the Karnataka State Chess Association (KSCA).
The championship witnessed an enthusiastic participation of 252 young players from across Karnataka, including 172 boys and 80 girls, competing over 9 rounds in the Swiss League format.
The event was inaugurated by Mr. Keerthan Kumar, who highlighted KSCA’s commitment to strengthening grassroots chess and encouraged constructive feedback from parents to help young players excel at the national level. The ceremony was graced by Dr. Prateeksha (Trustee, Soundarya Education Trust), Mrs. Renuka Devi (Principal), and Mr. Anil N J, the organiser of the championship.
🏆 Champions
Open Category
🥇 Shreyansh Das (Bengaluru Rural) – Champion with 8.5/9
🥈 Kaustubh Tej Kumar (Mysuru) – Runner-up with 8/9
Girls Category
🥇 Dwija Anand (Bengaluru Urban) – Champion with 7.5/9
🥈 Dishani S (Bengaluru) – Runner-up with 7/9
The top performers from the championship have earned the honour of representing Karnataka at the forthcoming Under-09 National Chess Championship in Ranchi.
The prize distribution ceremony was graced by Sri M.S. Tej Kumar, Secretary, KSCA, along with Mr. Somnath Krishnarao and Sri Anil N J, Founder of Chess Knights 64 Academy.
👏 KSCA congratulates all the participants, winners, parents, coaches, organisers, arbiters and volunteers for making the championship a grand success and wishes Team Karnataka the very best for the National Championship.