Ahmedabad, March 15 Around 200 chess enthusiasts and experienced players of all ages participated in the first-of-its-kind "open street chess series" on the famous Sabarmati Riverfront, aimed at encouraging wider participation and inspiring new and young players to take up the game.
Organized by the Ahmedabad-based Chiripal Group, a conglomerate involved in textiles and solar energy, the chess series is designed to take the game beyond clubs and closed venues into accessible public spaces, offering new players the opportunity to experience the excitement of competitive play in a structured format.
The series is among the first attempts to stage an open-street chess competition in the city, with tournaments planned across prominent public locations.
Visually impaired players also participated in the blitz tournament, reflecting the organizers' effort to make chess more inclusive for people from different backgrounds.
Each tournament in the series will feature a prize pool of Rs 25,000, along with vouchers worth Rs 1.5 lakh.
The Chiripal Chess Series 2026, which will continue over the coming weeks, will next be held on Sindhu Bhavan Road on March 22, followed by the concluding event at Ahmedabad One Mall on April 4.
"Chess is a game that builds strategic thinking, patience, and decision-making – qualities that are valuable far beyond the board. Through the Chiripal Chess Series, we hope to take the game into public spaces and encourage more people, especially children and new players, to experience the excitement of competitive chess," said Ronak Chiripal, promoter, Chiripal Group.
Gujarat's first Grandmaster, Tejas Bakre, attended the opening event and interacted with aspiring players and young enthusiasts.