Checkmate on the Riverfront !
Chiripal Group Turns Ahmedabad’s Public Spaces into a Chess Arena
GM Tejas Bakre Inspires Ahmedabad as Chess Comes Alive on the Riverfront
Anand Iyer Drives Chiripal’s Vision to Take Chess to Ahmedabad’s Streets
Ahmedabad Embraces the Chess Mood as Public Spaces Turn into Strategic Arenas
- Bilkul Online | By Rafat Quadri
- Ahmedabad | 17 March 2026
Chess — a game of intellect, patience and precision — has long been played in quiet corners, from homes and clubs to competitive halls. But in Ahmedabad, the timeless battle of 64 squares has stepped into the open, transforming into a lively public spectacle where strategy meets community life.
In a refreshing initiative, the Chiripal Group has reimagined how chess is experienced by bringing it to the Sabarmati Riverfront with the launch of the Chiripal Chess Series 2026. The Ahmedabad-based conglomerate is positioning itself as a catalyst for community-driven sporting culture, aiming to make chess more accessible, inclusive and engaging for people across age groups.
Over 200 participants, including 50 international FIDE-rated players, competed in the inaugural blitz tournament, turning the riverfront into a vibrant arena of quick thinking and sharp moves.
♟️ GM Tejas Bakre on Chess in Public Spaces
The presence of Gujarat’s first Grandmaster Tejas Bakre added inspiration to the event, as he interacted with young players and encouraged them to pursue the game with dedication. Speaking to BILKULONLINE GM Tejas Bakre said, “Chess teaches discipline, patience and clarity of thought. Bringing it into public spaces like this inspires more people — especially young minds — to connect with the game and realise its true potential.”
Vision Meets Experience
Anand Iyer of Chiripal Group said, “We wanted to take chess beyond clubs and classrooms and bring it into everyday public life. This is about building a culture where strategic thinking becomes part of the community.” “Chess is one of the few games where everyone can compete equally, and that is something we want to celebrate” added Anand.
Chess enthusiast Mohit Gidwani shared “Playing at the riverfront is an amazing experience — the energy and openness make chess feel exciting and alive. Seeing players of all ages and backgrounds together shows how chess truly brings people together.”
The tournament featured a fast-paced blitz format and crowned winners including Geet H Dabhi, Aryan Soni, Krunak K Solanki, Darshan Shah, Saumil Nair, Jeet Hiten Borsia, Aarav Arpit Shah, Mudaliar Nandini, Piyush Suthar and Khyati.
With a ₹25,000 prize pool per event and vouchers worth ₹1.5 lakh, the series will continue at Sindhu Bhavan Road on March 22 and Ahmedabad One Mall on April 4.
(Rafat Quadri can be contacted at editorbilkul@gmail.com)
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