Winning isn’t everything… but wanting to win is. This timeless quote set the tone for Indian School Salalah’s journey at the CBSE Chess Nationals 2025–26, held at MDS School, Udaipur. After a triumphant victory at the Under-17 CBSE Cluster Chess Championship in Muscat, the Indian School Salalah chess team secured their spot at the prestigious CBSE Chess Nationals 2025–26. Held from September 2nd to 5th at MDS School, Udaipur, the tournament featured 127 teams and 749 student players from across the country. In this competitive setting, our young players demonstrated a remarkable combination of skill, resilience, and sportsmanship, leaving a strong impression on the national stage.

The tournament started tough as the team faced a highly-rated DPS team in the first round. Despite a brave effort, they just fell short. Undeterred, the students recovered with a clear victory in the second round, showing their ability to adapt and perform under pressure. The third and fourth rounds were closely contested, as the team played very well but lost narrowly. In a final display of determination, the players won an important match in the last round, ending their campaign on a positive note.

The individual performances of the players were also impressive. Master Arunachalam was a leading performer for the team, earning two wins and one draw out of his five rounds. Mast. Jeswin also made significant contributions with one win and two draws. Additionally, both Mast. Panav and Mast. Nilayajeet achieved a win and a draw each, demonstrating their skill against a high level of competition.

After the team rounds, the individual competition began, with one player from each school competing. Mast. Arunachalam stepped into the spotlight to represent Indian School Salalah. He played a strong first match but narrowly lost despite a commendable effort. In the second round, he bounced back with a brilliant win, showcasing his strategic depth. The third round saw him face the tournament’s top-rated player, and although he fought hard, he was unable to secure a win. Undeterred, he returned in the fourth round with a superb victory. In the final round, he played exceptionally well but was unable to overcome the pressure in the closing moments, resulting in a hard-fought loss.

The CBSE Nationals provided an invaluable learning experience for our players. Competing at this level has enhanced their understanding of the game and strengthened their determination. With continued practice, strategic growth and the unwavering support of their mentors and families, these young players are prepared to achieve greater success in future tournaments. Their journey from Salalah to Udaipur is a story of commitment, dedication and character—qualities that define the spirit of Indian School Salalah.

The school management headed by Dr. Syed Ahsan Jamil, other SMC members and Principal Mr. Deepak Patankar extended their heartfelt congratulations to the coach Mr. Parvinder Singh (PE  faculty) and our rising chess champions and thank them for representing our school with such grit, grace and determination. May their passion for the game continue to grow, and may their future moves lead them to remarkable victories.