Bhubaneswar, Jan 12: The Chess Mahakumbh – International Conference on Social & Educational Chess’ will be hosted by Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) from January 14 to 16, 2026. The conference is being organised for the first time in India at KIIT University, in association with the International Chess Federation (FIDE) and the All India Chess Federation (AICF).
The prestigious international event will be graced by Mr Arkady Dvorkovich, President of FIDE and former Deputy Prime Minister of Russia; Grand Master Viswanathan Anand, Deputy President of FIDE and five-time World Chess Champion; Ms Dana Reizniece, Deputy Chair of FIDE and former Finance Minister of Latvia; Mr Nitin Narang, President, AICF; Mr Dev A Patel, Honorary Secretary, AICF; and Mr Ranjan Mohanty, Member, FIDE Event Commission, among others.
On the occasion, Viswanathan Anand will inaugurate the International Chess Hall and Chess Ground at the KIIT campus. The conference proceedings and associated events will be held across the KIIT campus and Hotel Mayfair, Bhubaneswar.
The mega event will witness participation of eminent chess personalities from 40 countries, including 80 delegates from India. More than 5,200 participants are expected, comprising 43 FIDE delegates, 76 AICF delegates, 60 AOCA delegates, and over 5,000 chess players from India.
Expressing happiness over hosting the event, Dr Achyuta Samanta, Founder of KIIT and KISS, said that organising such a prestigious international chess conference for the first time in India at KIIT is a matter of immense pride for Odisha. He noted that the event will provide significant exposure and opportunities for young chess players from the state and inspire future generations.
Under Dr Samanta’s guidance, KIIT and KISS have been actively promoting chess for several years. While KISS regularly hosts international chess tournaments, KIIT International Chess Tournaments are known for offering the highest prize money among chess events held in India.
