The 62nd National Chess Championship 2025, held from September 21 to October 1 at Vignan University, Andhra Pradesh, has officially concluded. With 434 players and 11 rounds of intense Swiss-format battles, the event crowned GM Iniyan Pa as the national champion. Kerala’s players delivered commendable performances, with one name standing out nationally.With 11 rounds of Swiss-format battles, India’s finest minds was locking horns in a test of strategy, stamina, and nerves.
🌟 Kerala’s Power Moves on the National Stage
Kerala’s chess scene has long been bubbling with talent, and this year, it’s making a bold statement. Three players from the state are flying the flag high:
🥇🥇 Goutham Krishna H (IM) – Kerala’s Top Gun
• Final Score: 9.0/11
• Final Rank: 2nd place overall
• Goutham’s campaign was phenomenal. He defeated multiple top seeds and drew with GM Iniyan Pa in Round 7. His only loss came early against GM Sasikiran Krishnan, but he bounced back with a string of wins, including a final-round victory over IM Viani Antonio Dcunha.
• This is Kerala’s best-ever finish in the National Championship
🥇 Aadik Theophane Lenin
• Final Score: 6.5/11
• Final Rank: 77th place
• Aadik impressed with early wins and a strong finish, including a final-round victory over CM Bhoir Paras Dilip. His upset over IM Soham Kamotra remains a tournament highlight.
🥇 Sanjay S Pillai
• Final Score: 6.0/11
• Final Rank: 136th place
• Sanjay showed consistency and resilience, scoring key wins and holding his own against higher-rated opponents.
