The prestigious Commonwealth Chess Championship 2025 officially kicked off in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, heralding a week of intense competition, strategic brilliance, and international camaraderie. Organized by the Malaysian Chess Federation under the auspices of the Commonwealth Chess Association (CCA) and the International Chess Federation (FIDE), the event runs from November 9 to 15, 2025.
The opening ceremony featured a symbolic inaugural game between Bharat Singh Chauhan, President of the Commonwealth Chess Association, and Akhramsyah Muammar, President of the Malaysian Chess Federation. Their friendly encounter set the tone for a championship built on unity, friendship, and sporting excellence that the Commonwealth proudly represents.
A total of 373 players from 16 Commonwealth nations are participating in this year’s edition, making it one of the largest and most competitive in the event’s history. The field boasts an impressive mix of Grandmasters, International Masters, Women Grandmasters, and promising young talents, reflecting the growing strength and depth of chess across the Commonwealth.
Grandmaster Mitrabha Guha of India headlines the field as the top seed, reaffirming India’s leadership in the world of chess. The event has drawn participants from a diverse range of nations, including Australia, Bangladesh, Botswana, Canada, England, Kenya, Maldives, Mauritius, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, Scotland, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and host country Malaysia, competing across multiple categories.
Beyond the competitive battles, the championship stands as a celebration of the shared heritage, goodwill, and cultural exchange that unite the Commonwealth nations through the game of chess.