RSPB and AAI Kick Off National Chess Championship with Commanding Wins
The Chief Minister's Trophy 45th National Team Chess Championship 2026 commenced with a bang on Monday, as top seeds Railway Sports Promotion Board (RSPB) and Airport Authority of India (AAI) delivered dominant performances in the opening round. Both teams secured flawless 4-0 victories, immediately positioning themselves as formidable contenders in the prestigious tournament.
RSPB A Sweeps Haryana A in Clinical Fashion
In the open category, RSPB A showcased their strength with a comprehensive 4-0 sweep against Haryana A. The team's grandmasters were in top form, with Visakh NR, Deep Sengupta, Mitrabha Guha, and Shyaamnikhil P each winning their respective matches. This perfect score underscored RSPB's status as the top-seeded side and set a high bar for the competition.
AAI Remains Unbeaten with Strong Start
Similarly, the AAI team remained unbeaten, overpowering the Defence Accounts Sports Control Board with an identical 4-0 result. The victories were secured by International Masters Aditya Dhingra, Harshavardhan GB, Sriram Adarsh Uppala, and Shahil Dey, demonstrating AAI's depth and tactical prowess. Their performance signals a strong challenge to RSPB's dominance as the championship progresses.
Other Notable Results from the First Round
Beyond the top seeds, several other teams made their mark in the opening round. Uttar Pradesh A overcame Chhattisgarh C with a 3-1 victory, thanks to wins from Arnav Agarwal, Candidate Master Prakhar Tripathi, and Arena Grandmaster Gopal Krishna Maheshwari. Other key results included:
- RSPB B beat West Bengal B: 4-0
- Tamil Nadu B beat Odisha C: 3.5-0.5
- Telangana A beat Jharkhand A: 3.5-0.5
- Tamil Nadu A beat KIIT University: 3.5-0.5
- Puducherry beat Uttarakhand A: 2.5-1.5
These outcomes highlight the competitive nature of the tournament, with multiple teams vying for supremacy.
Championship Moves Forward with RSPB and AAI as Early Frontrunners
As the championship advances into the second round, RSPB and AAI have emerged as early frontrunners, setting the stage for intense battles ahead. Their dominant starts not only boost team morale but also send a clear message to other participants about the level of play required to succeed in this national event. Chess enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating the next rounds, where strategies will be tested and new leaders may arise.
