Indians shine at World Amateur Rapid and Blitz Championships 2026

By admin August 23, 2026 0 comments

Indians have won a total of ten medals at the inaugural World Amateur Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships 2026. Sahil Sanjay Shejal claimed double Gold in Under-2000 Open Rapid and Blitz events.

India wins nine medals – Five Gold, Three Silver and a Bronze

Five Indians have won a total of nine medals – five Gold, three Silver and Bronze medal in various categories. The total prize fund was €20160. The top three prizes in Rapid and Blitz were the following: Under-2300 Open – €1250, €900 and €600 with a trophy and medal each, Under-2300 Women – €600, €450 and €300, Under-2000 Open – €900, €600 and €300, Under-2000 Women – €450, €300 and €175, Under-1700 Open – €600, €450 and €175, and Under-1700 Women – €300, €225 and €88 with a trophy and medal each.

Rapid: Under 2000 Open – Gold and Silver

Sahil Sanjay Shejal (1988) scored 7.5/11 to win Gold in Under-2000 Open Rapid. Aman Kumar (1789) won Silver.

Gold in Under-2000 Rapid Open – Sahil Sanjay Shejal 7.5/11 | Photo: Nigeria Chess Federation

Silver in Under-2000 Rapid Open – Aman Kumar 7/11 | Photo: Nigeria Chess Federation

Under-1700 Open: Silver and Bronze

Saket Kumar (1502) scored 6.5/11 to clinch Silver in Under-1700 Open Rapid. Rani Puja (1479) secured Bronze scoring 5/11.

Silver in Under-1700 Rapid Open – Saket Kumar 6.5/11 | Photo: Nigeria Chess Federation

Under-1700 Women: Gold

Rani Puja (1479) scored 5/9 to win Gold in Under-1700 Women. Thus, Rani won two medals in the Rapid event.

Gold in Under-1700 Rapid Women – Rani Puja 5/11 | Photo: Nigeria Chess Federation

Final standings in Rapid

Blitz: Under-2000 Open – Gold and Silver

Sahil Sanjay Shejal (1869) struck Gold again in the Blitz event. He scored 9/11 to become the overall champion, claiming Gold in the Under-2000 Open section. CM Pankaj Sharma (1849) scored 8.5/11 to secure Silver.