Chess Federation for Physically Disabled (CFPD)

♟️ About Chess Federation for Physically Disabled (CFPD)

Chess Federation for Physically Disabled (CFPD) is a national chess organization in India dedicated to developing competitive opportunities for players with physical disabilities. The federation works across India through a growing network of players and regional partners and is affiliated with the All India Chess Federation (AICF) and recognized by the Paralympic Committee of India. Its official national directory currently lists 113 registered players from 16 Indian states, reflecting a steadily expanding para-chess structure. CFPD organizes national championships, FIDE-rated open tournaments, regional competitions, coaching programs, international-team support, and development initiatives for players with disabilities. At the same time, several of its FIDE-rated tournaments are open to the wider chess community, helping connect para chess with mainstream competitive chess. Internationally, the federation works with bodies including FIDE and the International Physically Disabled Chess Association (IPCA) and supports Indian players participating in international para-chess competition. IA Anandh Babu V. L. serves as General Secretary of CFPD and a FIDE IPCA Councillor and is the federation’s principal tournament and administrative contact. IA Srivatsan R. serves as Working President and Senior Chief Advisor. CFPD has maintained an extensive 2026 tournament calendar: it staged its 6th National Chess Championship for Specially Abled Players in Indore in May, organized several international FIDE-rated opens in Tamil Nadu, and will hold the 2nd CFPD Open FIDE Rating Chess Tournament from September 2–6, 2026 in Cuddalore district.

🎯 Mission and Player Development

CFPD’s central objective is to create a structured pathway for physically disabled chess players across India, from introductory competition through national championships and international representation. Its development work includes national and regional tournaments, elite coaching camps, support for international teams, and assistance in connecting players with sponsorship and funding opportunities. The federation also maintains a national player-registration system. Its current directory includes competitors from 16 states and 84 districts, ranging from developing players to experienced FIDE-rated competitors. By combining player identification, tournament opportunities, coaching, and international support, CFPD aims to expand both participation and competitive standards in Indian para chess.

🏆 CFPD National Chess Championship

The federation’s principal domestic competition is the CFPD National Chess Championship for Specially Abled Players. The 6th edition was held from May 27–30, 2026 in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. A total of 82 players participated, including 51 FIDE-rated competitors. The championship brought together players representing states across India and included classifications for different disability categories. Shankar Ramakrishnan of Tamil Nadu became the overall 2026 champion with 7.5/9. Pamarthi Audietya Aazadh finished second overall, while CM Samarth J Rao won the wheelchair category. The championship also included dedicated prizes for women and other competitive classifications. The event demonstrated CFPD’s role in providing a national-level competitive platform where players with different physical disabilities can compete within a professionally organized chess environment.

🌍 World IPCA Championship in India

One of CFPD’s most important international projects was the Goa Purple – 24th World IPCA Individual Chess Championship, held from July 21–31, 2025 at the International Centre Goa. CFPD organized the championship in collaboration with the Department for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities and the Goa Chess Association for Persons with Disabilities, under the auspices of AICF, the Asian Chess Federation, IPCA, and FIDE. The championship featured standard, rapid, and blitz chess, with nine rounds in each discipline. Players with qualifying physical disabilities represented national federations and associations from around the world. The published total prize fund was $15,000, while separate medals and classifications were provided for men, women, juniors, and girls. Hosting the event represented a significant milestone for CFPD and strengthened India’s role within international para chess.

♜ FIDE-Rated Tournament Activity

CFPD also organizes FIDE-rated tournaments open to a broader competitive field. These events provide additional playing opportunities while helping fund and promote the federation’s wider chess-development activities. In February 2026, CFPD organized the 1st Karur International Open FIDE Rating Chess Tournament at M. Kumarasamy College of Engineering in Tamil Nadu. It followed this with the 3rd CFPD International FIDE Rating Tournament Below 1700 in Karur from June 26–28, 2026, offering a published cash prize fund of INR 400,000. The federation also organized the Pudukkottai Below 1700 FIDE Rating Tournament from August 14–16, 2026, a nine-round competition with a published prize fund exceeding INR 200,000. These tournaments illustrate how CFPD combines its para-chess mission with a broader calendar of rated competitive chess.

🌟 Upcoming 2026 Events

The federation’s next tournament is the 2nd CFPD Open FIDE Rating Chess Tournament, scheduled for September 2–6, 2026 at Virudhai Vidhyalaya CBSE School in Virudhachalam, Cuddalore district. The event is organized directly by CFPD, with IA Anandh Babu V. L. serving as a principal organizer and contact. The published prize fund is INR 400,000. Later in the year, CFPD will return to Karur for the 3rd International FIDE Rating Chess Tournament Below 1700 from October 23–25, 2026 at Valluvar College of Science and Management. The October event again offers INR 400,000 in cash prizes, continuing the federation’s increasingly regular program of FIDE-rated tournaments in Tamil Nadu.

🏛️ Organization and Leadership

IA Srivatsan R. serves as Working President and Senior Chief Advisor of CFPD. He is supported by a leadership council that includes arbiters, administrators, medical professionals, coaches, and regional representatives. IA Anandh Babu V. L. serves as General Secretary and is also a FIDE IPCA Councillor. He plays a central role in tournament organization, national championships, international communication, and federation administration. Other current officials include Baskaran M., Dr. Sunil Somani, Jagadish Rao B. S., and Yesu Babu K. as Vice Presidents, while Suresh Agarwal serves as Treasurer. The federation also maintains official delegates, coaches, medical support, and business-development roles. This structure supports CFPD’s dual objective of expanding inclusive chess participation within India while creating opportunities for the country’s strongest para players to compete nationally and internationally.