Atharvaa P Tayade awesome at 1st MindPetal Rising Minds Mumbai Rapid Rating Open 2026
Atharvaa P Tayade scored an unbeaten 8.5/9 to win 1st MindPetal Rising Minds Mumbai Rapid Rating Open 2026.
Atharvaa’s first rating tournament triumph of the year
Atharvaa P Tayade made a perfect start by winning eight games in-a-row. Atharv Soni and Aditya Bartakke were the only two players trailing by a half point at 7.5/8 each. Aditya drew against Atharvaa and the latter became a clear champion. FM Anirudhha Potawad shared the point with Atharv Soni who finished second. CM Snehal Bhosale defeated Dharni V to claim third place.
The total prize fund was ₹50000. The top three prizes were ₹15000, ₹10000 and ₹5000 with a trophy each.
Mr. Nandakumar T Vijayamma shared the following: Organized by Anjanibai Chess Academy and sponsored by MindPetal, a US-based technology company led by Indian founders, the tournament was conceived with the objective of making FIDE-rated chess more accessible and affordable for aspiring players.
One of the most distinctive features of the event was its highly affordable entry fee of just ₹250, which is significantly lower than the entry fees typically charged for rated tournaments in the Mumbai region. This initiative opened the doors of competitive chess to a large number of players who might otherwise have found participation financially challenging.
Top two (L to R): Runner-up – Atharv Soni 8/9 and Champion – Atharvaa P Tayade 8.5/9 | Photo: NA Nandakumar T Vijayamma
Atharvaa P Tayade scored an unbeaten 8.5/9, finished a half point ahead of the competition and gained 23 Elo rating points
The tournament hall at Agri Koli Sanskriti Bhavan in Nerul, Maharashtra | Photo: NA Nandakumar T Vijayamma
Accompanying persons and parents at the waiting area | Photo: NA Nandakumar T Vijayamma
The organizing team | Photo: NA Nandakumar T Vijayamma
Mr. Nandakumar T Vijayamma added further:
Low-cost FIDE rating tournament
Chess is witnessing unprecedented growth in India, driven largely by D Gukesh’s World Championship victory and the remarkable achievements of Indian players on the global stage. The game is no longer limited to a small segment of society. It is increasingly attracting children and young players from middle-income and lower-income backgrounds, many of whom see chess as both an intellectual pursuit and a pathway to greater opportunities.
For a player to progress in competitive chess, obtaining a FIDE rating is an essential first step. Once rated, players need regular participation in FIDE-rated tournaments to improve their ratings, gain experience, and measure their progress against stronger opposition. However, the cost of playing rated tournaments, particularly in cities such as Mumbai, can be a significant barrier. Entry fees, travel expenses, food, and other associated costs often make participation in multiple rated tournaments each year financially challenging, especially for players from economically weaker sections.
In this context, an event with an entry fee of just ₹250 proved to be a tremendous opportunity for aspiring players. It provided an affordable gateway into the FIDE rating system and allowed many talented youngsters to experience rated chess for the first time. For families who would otherwise struggle to afford participation in conventional rated tournaments, such an event was nothing short of a game-changer.
The overwhelming response clearly demonstrated the existence of a large and previously underserved segment of players. The tournament generated considerable interest among new and unrated players and resulted in the creation of more than 300 new FIDE IDs. Equally noteworthy was the fact that registrations filled well in advance. This was a strong indication that many players had been actively waiting for an affordable opportunity to enter the competitive rating system.
The success of the event highlights an important reality: there is substantial demand for low-cost rated tournaments in India. When barriers to entry are reduced, participation increases dramatically, enabling a broader section of society to engage with competitive chess. Such initiatives not only help individual players begin their rating journey but also contribute to the long-term growth of Indian chess by expanding the talent pool and making the sport more accessible, inclusive, and sustainable.
Apart from its affordability, the tournament also created opportunities for underprivileged children to participate in competitive chess. A total of 14 students trained by the Anjanibai Chess Academy were given the opportunity to play free of charge.
The Anjanibai Chess Academy is a commendable initiative dedicated to promoting chess among underprivileged children in the Rabale and Ghansoli areas. The academy provides structured chess training and engages approximately 300 students on average each year. By offering free participation to these young players, the tournament not only expanded access to competitive chess but also supported the broader goal of making the sport more inclusive and accessible to talented children from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
Title Sponsor
The title sponsor of this tournament was MindPetal, a US-based technology company led by Indian founders. Beyond its business achievements, MindPetal’s support reflected a strong commitment to social impact and community development.
At the heart of MindPetal’s involvement was a meaningful mission: to support underprivileged children, create opportunities for young talent, inspire the next generation, and empower them to dream bigger. By backing this initiative, the company helped make competitive chess accessible to many players who might otherwise have been unable to participate due to financial constraints.
The tournament’s vision extended beyond merely organizing a chess event. It sought to promote inclusivity, encourage grassroots participation, and provide a platform for aspiring players, particularly those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, to begin their journey in competitive chess. The support from MindPetal was instrumental in transforming this vision into reality.
As MindPetal celebrates 20 years of its journey, its decision to contribute to an initiative that creates lasting opportunities for young minds makes this milestone even more meaningful. The company’s sponsorship not only enabled affordable participation for hundreds of players but also directly supported efforts to widen access to the sport and nurture future talent.
It is fair to say that without the generous support of MindPetal, this venture would not have been possible in its present form. Their contribution played a vital role in ensuring the success of the tournament and in advancing the broader goal of making chess more accessible, inclusive, and impactful for the next generation of players.
A total of 804 players took part from various parts of Maharashtra, two from Singapore and one from Zambia. The one-day nine-round Rapid Rating Open tournament was organized by Mr. Nandakumar T Vijayamma at Agri Koli Sanskriti Bhavan in Nerul, Maharashtra on 30th August 2026. The time control of the tournament was 15 minutes + 5 seconds increment.
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