PROMINENT PERSONALITIES
The People Behind Indian Chess
FEATURED PERSONALITY
MANUEL AARON
Player • Organiser • Journalist • Administrator
A foundational figure in Indian chess. India’s first International Master and a nine-time National Champion, Aaron also worked as an arbiter, journalist, organiser and administrator. He founded the Tal Chess Club in Chennai and edited Chess Mate.
CHESS DEVELOPMENT
IM SAGAR SHAH
Chess Media • Commentary • Development
Co-founder and CEO of ChessBase India, Sagar Shah has played a major role in documenting Indian chess and bringing players, tournaments and stories to a much wider audience.
AMRUTA MOKAL
Chess Media • Development • Grassroots
Co-founder and COO of ChessBase India, Amruta Mokal has been involved in documenting Indian chess, working with young players & developing initiatives at introducing chess to children.
CHESS ADMINISTRATION
BHARAT CHAUHAN
Administrator • Organiser • Development
A major administrator in Indian chess, Chauhan has held senior roles in AICF and international chess organisations and was Tournament Director for the 44th FIDE Chess Olympiad in Chennai.
Dr. SANJAY KAPOOR
Administrator • Chess Federation
A senior Indian chess administrator and former President of the All India Chess Federation, Kapoor has been involved in the organisation and development of Indian chess at the national level.
CHESS ARBITERS
IA RATHINAM ANANTHARAM
International Arbiter
One of India’s most experienced chess arbiters, Anantharam has served as Chief Arbiter at major Indian national events and has been involved in FIDE’s arbiters’ ecosystem.
IA GOPAKUMAR SUDHAKARAN
Arbiter • FIDE Official
An important figure in India’s international arbiting community, Gopakumar has served in FIDE’s Fair Play Commission & has been involved in training and developing Indian arbiters
CHESS LECTURERS & MENTORS
IA SWAPNIL BANSOD
Arbiter • FIDE Lecturer
An International Arbiter and FIDE Lecturer from India, Bansod has played an increasingly prominent role in major international events and in training India’s next generation of arbiters. FIDE’s 2026 reports identify him as a FIDE Lecturer involved in multiple Indian arbiter seminars.
IM ANUP DESHMUKH
Player • Coach • Mentor
Anup Deshmukh is an unusual figure in Indian chess: an IM who has also devoted considerable time to helping younger players. ChessBase India has documented his training of numerous Grandmasters without charging them coaching fees and his long contribution to Indian chess.
