Rajasthan’s Budding Champions Draw Inspiration from the Industrialist Who Transformed Chess into a National Movement

9 June 2025, New Delhi

In a heartening confluence of past legacy and future promise, young FIDE-rated chess champions Alokik Maheshwari, Aradhya Upadhyay, and Hardik Shah from Rajasthan met the revered industrialist and chess patron Shri L.N. Jhunjhunwala at his New Delhi residence on June 9. The meeting took place following the players’ participation in the 21st Delhi International Open Grandmasters Chess Tournament held at Tivoli Gardens, Chhatarpur.

Accompanied by their coach Mr. Prakash Parashar, the students—who belong to Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya, Hurda—shared their journey and drew profound inspiration from Shri Jhunjhunwala’s monumental role in shaping India’s chess ecosystem. Notably, the school is one of four rural educational institutions founded by Shri Jhunjhunwala across Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh to promote academic excellence and all-round development.

Shri Jhunjhunwala, a pioneer in India’s chess development, is widely regarded as an architect of the country’s chess renaissance. His visionary contributions began with the establishment of the National Chess Trust of India in 1973, laying the foundation for structured chess promotion and education. His efforts culminated in organizing India’s first Grandmasters Tournament in 1982—an event that marked a turning point for the sport’s recognition in India.

Under his guidance, chess evolved from a niche activity into a powerful educational tool that fosters discipline, strategic thinking, and mental resilience. He was a strong advocate for including chess in school curricula and played a pivotal role in mentoring legends like Viswanathan Anand and Abhijit Gupta through the Botvinnik Chess Academy.

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Beyond chess, Shri Jhunjhunwala has actively supported a range of sports including karate, archery, air-weapon shooting, yoga, and athletics—firmly believing in a balanced approach to intellectual and physical development. His initiatives have laid the groundwork for integrating sports with education, especially in rural and semi-urban India.

His legacy also includes the launch of India’s first chess magazine, CHESS India, and several efforts to build international collaborations. Through his visionary leadership, he not only challenged cricket’s monopoly in Indian sports culture but also instilled the belief that Indian chess players could conquer the global stage.

For the young champions from Rajasthan, the interaction was more than a meeting—it was a moment of encouragement and enlightenment from the very man whose vision made their journey possible.

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