Building an Elite Chess Tournament in Chennai

Tamil Nadu backed the inaugural Chennai Grand Masters, an international classical tournament bringing together elite Indian and overseas grandmasters to compete for rating points and Candidates qualification without travelling abroad. When the proposal reached Sports Minister Udhayanidhi, it was approved in roughly 30 minutes with the government sanctioning the entire cost of ₹1.77 crore.

Chennai Grand Masters · December 2023

Approved in roughly half an hour upon presentation to the Minister

Entire tournament cost of ₹1.77 crore sanctioned by the state

Created direct FIDE Candidates qualification pathways on Indian soil