In a display of immense mental fortitude, Indian chess Grandmaster Nihal Sarin emerged victorious at the Tata Steel Chess India 2026 Rapid and Blitz Open tournament in Kolkata, securing the Rapid title just a day after the passing of his beloved grandfather. The 21-year-old prodigy, who was persuaded by his mother to stay and compete, triumphed over a field that included the legendary Viswanathan Anand, dedicating his win to his first chess teacher.
A Heart-Wrenching Decision and a Mother's Counsel
The news of his grandfather's demise reached Nihal Sarin on Thursday night, January 8, 2026, casting a shadow over his participation in the prestigious Kolkata event. His 82-year-old grandfather, A.A. Ummar, had been his earliest mentor and a constant pillar of support, introducing him to the game he now masters. Overwhelmed with grief, Nihal initially wished to return immediately to his family in Thrissur.
"Nihal completely broke down after hearing the news last night. He wanted to fly back home immediately," revealed his manager, Priyadarshan Banjan. It was his mother's intervention that proved pivotal. She encouraged her son to stay in Kolkata, to play the tournament as a tribute to his achachan (grandfather), and to channel his emotions into the game. This personal tragedy followed closely on the heels of another loss—the death of his close friend, GM Daniel Naroditsky, months earlier.
The Path to Victory in Kolkata
Nihal's journey to the title was itself a story of last-minute opportunity and resilience. He wasn't originally slated to play in Kolkata. He received a late invitation from Grandmaster Dibyendu Barua to replace D. Gukesh, and he accepted, unaware of the impending personal loss. Battling his sorrow, he took to the board at the National Library in Kolkata on January 9.
His campaign had its ups and downs. After a draw with Wei Yi and a win over Aravindh Chithambaram, he suffered a defeat to Arjun Erigaisi on the first day. However, day two saw an untouchable Nihal Sarin, who scored three consecutive wins against Hans Niemann, Volodar Murzin, and Vidit Gujrathi. This surge placed him as joint-leader with Viswanathan Anand.
The final day, Friday, January 9, was decisive. Holding R. Praggnanandhaa to a draw and then dismantling Wesley So's defences in a mere 13 moves with the black pieces, Nihal seized the sole lead. Heading into the ninth and final round, he was set for a title-deciding clash with Anand. In an anti-climactic but strategic conclusion, Anand opted for a quiet draw, securing second place for himself and handing the Rapid crown to Nihal. Arjun Erigaisi finished third.
An Emotional Tribute to a Guiding Light
Upon winning, an emotional Nihal Sarin did not hide the significance of the moment. "It's a very emotional moment for me. My grandfather, who introduced me to chess, passed away last night," he stated. He dedicated the victory entirely to his grandfather, recalling how even in his 80s, his achachan would follow his games online. "One thing I know for sure is that this is what my grandfather would have wanted me to do. He would have wanted me not to lose focus," Nihal affirmed, highlighting the profound influence his grandfather had on his career and life.
In the women's section of the tournament, Russia's Kateryna Lagno dominated proceedings, remaining unbeaten and claiming the title with a round to spare. Defending champion Aleksandra Goryachkina finished second, while India's Divya Deshmukh secured the bronze medal after a tie-break among five players.
Nihal Sarin's triumph at the Tata Steel Chess India Rapid 2026 tournament transcends the chessboard. It stands as a powerful testament to the human spirit's ability to persevere through profound personal grief and find triumph in dedication, making his victory one of the most poignant chapters in recent Indian sports history.
