THE GH Raisoni Memorial H2e Power System MaharashtraState Selection FIDE Rapid and Blitz Rating Chess Championship 2026 was inaugurated at the hands of Nirbhay Sancheti, Director SMS Group of Companies at GH Raisoni Institute of Information and Technology,Shraddha Park. The eventhas attracted 302 entries fromalloverMaharashtra which include more than 50 veteran and morethan 70 female participants.Being open event, playerbornin theyear from1950 to 2021 areparticipating in the event. The tournament is being organised by Chess Association Nagpur in association with GH Raisoni Sports and Cultural FoundationandKalpanaPrakash WelfareFoundation and the same is recognised by Maharashtra ChessAssociation, AllIndia Chess Federation and FIDE. The event is an official selection championship to select Maharashtra Chess Players for participation in National Rapid and Blitz Championship 2026.

 

The prizes aresponsored by Raisoni Foundation and H2e Power Systems Pune. ShivChhatrapatiAwardee and ex-Olympian International MasterAnupDeshmukhwas the guest of honour for the inauguration function. Achal Shahare, Registrar GHRaisoni University, Bhushan Shriwas,Organising Secretary& SecretaryChess Association Nagpur, International Arbiter Ajinkya Pingale,Chief Arbiter were prominentlypresent. SSSoman, OrganisingCommitteeMember, compered the programme and proposed avote of thanks. Total prizefund of Rs 72,000(Rs36,000 forRapidandRs36,000for Blitz) is at stake.Apartfromcash prizes to top 10 finishers, Trophies shall be distributed tobest veteran categoryand topfinishersinUnder-7, 9, 11, 13, 15age groups. The event is being organisedunder the able guidance ofSunil Raisoni, Chairman, Raisoni Group; Girish Vyas,President, Chess Association Nagpur; Dr VivekKapoor, Dr Mrunal Naikand Amit Gandhare. Pingale is being assisted byDeputy Chief Arbiter IA ShivaIyer, FA Amit Tembhurne, FABharati Dhote,FASwati Kumbhalkar,SNA Prayas Ambade,SNA Shishir Indurkar, SNA Akash Rewatkar,SNAShrikantBagde andPrathameshMachave.