Synopsis
Vedant Panesar, a rising chess talent from Mumbai, has qualified for the Challengers section of Chess 2026 held in Wijk aan Zee, Netherlands. His impressive score of 6/9 placed him ahead in a competitive international field, marking a significant milestone in his chess career.Key Takeaways
- Vedant Panesar qualifies for the Challengers section.
- He scored 6/9 in the qualifiers at Wijk aan Zee.
- His achievement highlights Mumbai's growing chess scene.
- Vedant aims to return as a Grandmaster next year.
- Grateful to supporters and sponsors for their help.
Mumbai, Feb 11 (NationPress) Vedant Panesar, a talented chess player from Mumbai, has earned a spot in the Challengers section of Chess 2026 after emerging victorious in the qualifiers at Wijk aan Zee, Netherlands.
With a score of 6/9, Panesar surpassed a strong international lineup, securing his place in one of the most esteemed chess events.
Reflecting on his achievement, Vedant remarked, "Competing at Wijk aan Zee is a dream for every chess enthusiast. I came across a saying there: 'Before dying, people aspire to visit Prague, but for a chess player, it's about winning at Wijk aan Zee.' Qualifying for the Tata Steel Challengers 2026 is an extraordinary milestone, and I aim to return next year as a Grandmaster."
This accomplishment is particularly significant given that Mumbai is not typically recognized for its chess heritage, especially when compared to Chennai, which is renowned for producing many elite players.
Nevertheless, Vedant has progressively made a name for himself on the global stage, highlighting the burgeoning chess talent emerging from Mumbai, where only a select few pursue chess at such a competitive level.
"I am immensely thankful to my friends who supported me and contributed to my preparation for this tournament. Their encouragement played a crucial role. Moving forward, I realize that to advance further and be adequately prepared for the Challengers, I’ll need to establish a professional team around me.
"I also want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Old Bridge Mutual Fund for their unwavering support, Tata Steel Chess for granting me this opportunity, and my mother, who has been an incredible source of strength throughout my journey," he concluded.
