Tripura chess players Aaradhya Das and Arshiya Das have brought pride to the state after winning four medals at the Western Asian Youth Chess Championship 2026 in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The two young players delivered impressive performances in their respective age categories, earning one silver and three bronze medals at the international-level competition.
Aaradhya Das claimed the silver medal in the Under-12 Girls Classical category, while Arshiya Das secured three bronze medals in the Under-16 category across the Classical, Rapid and Blitz events. Their combined achievement has placed Tripura’s growing chess talent in the spotlight and added another significant milestone to the state’s sporting record.
The players received a warm welcome upon their return to Agartala, where members of the All Tripura Chess Association gathered at Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport to congratulate them on their performances.
Aaradhya Das wins silver in Under-12 category
Aaradhya Das delivered a strong performance in the Under-12 Girls Classical event, finishing second to secure the silver medal at the championship.
The tournament results show that Aaradhya scored seven points from nine rounds, placing second in the final standings. Her performance reflected consistency and determination against a competitive field of young chess players from different countries.
The Under-12 Girls category featured several promising competitors, making the medal finish an important achievement for the young player. Aaradhya’s result also adds to her growing record in competitive chess.
Her silver medal highlights the progress she has made through regular participation in tournaments and continued development of her playing skills.
Arshiya Das claims three bronze medals
Arshiya Das emerged as another major contributor to Tripura’s medal tally, winning three bronze medals in the Under-16 category.
She secured bronze in the Classical, Rapid and Blitz competitions, demonstrating her ability to compete across different formats of the game.
Each format demands a different approach from players. Classical chess requires careful planning, patience and deeper calculation, while Rapid and Blitz competitions place greater emphasis on quick decisions and effective time management.
Winning medals in all three formats reflects Arshiya’s versatility and competitive experience. Her achievement also strengthens Tripura’s reputation as a state producing talented young chess players capable of performing at international competitions.
Together, Aaradhya and Arshiya accounted for all four medals won by the Tripura contingent at the championship.
Western Asian Youth Championship brought together top young talent
The Western Asian Youth Chess Championships 2026 were held in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, from October 22 to October 31. The event brought together promising young chess players from across the region to compete in different age groups and formats.
The championship was organised by the All India Chess Federation and the Gujarat State Chess Association under the auspices of the Asian Chess Federation and the International Chess Federation (FIDE).
The competition featured Open and Girls sections across six age categories: Under-8, Under-10, Under-12, Under-14, Under-16 and Under-18.
Players competed in Standard, Rapid and Blitz formats, each requiring different levels of concentration, calculation and decision-making. The Standard competition followed a nine-round format, with players receiving 90 minutes and a 30-second increment from the first move.
The tournament provided an important platform for emerging chess talents to test their abilities against international competition and gain valuable experience. Asian Chess+1
Warm welcome for Tripura’s medal-winning players
The achievements of Aaradhya and Arshiya received recognition from the All Tripura Chess Association, which organised a welcome for the players upon their return to the state.
A delegation from the association reached Maharaja Bir Bikram Airport in Agartala to receive the two chess players. Association president Abhijit Moulick congratulated them on their performances and wished them continued success in future competitions.
The reception reflected the appreciation of the state’s chess community for the efforts made by the young players on an international platform.
Their success has also generated encouragement for other aspiring chess players in Tripura, particularly young girls interested in pursuing the sport professionally.
For the state, winning four medals at a regional international championship represents an important sporting achievement and demonstrates the potential of its emerging chess talent. India Today NE
A promising future for chess in Tripura
The latest achievement of the two players adds to Tripura’s growing presence in competitive chess. Their performances demonstrate how participation in national and international tournaments can help young athletes develop their skills and gain confidence.
Aaradhya’s silver medal in the Under-12 Classical category and Arshiya’s three bronze medals across different Under-16 formats also highlight the importance of developing players who can compete in multiple styles of the game.
Chess requires more than knowledge of openings and strategies. Players must maintain concentration, anticipate their opponents’ moves and make accurate decisions under pressure. Performing consistently in different formats requires considerable preparation and competitive experience.
The success of Tripura chess players at the Western Asian Youth Championship could provide fresh motivation for chess academies, coaches, schools and sports organisations in the state to encourage young talent.
It also underlines the importance of providing aspiring players with access to quality coaching, regular competitions and opportunities to represent Tripura beyond the state and national levels.
Four medals bring fresh recognition to Tripura
With four medals between them, Aaradhya Das and Arshiya Das have delivered a memorable performance for Tripura at the Western Asian Youth Chess Championship 2026.
Their achievement is not only a personal milestone but also a source of encouragement for the state’s wider sporting community. As both players continue their chess journeys, their performances in Ahmedabad offer a strong foundation for future competitions.
The warm reception at Agartala airport further reflected the pride associated with their success. Their international achievement has once again highlighted the potential of young sporting talent from Northeast India.
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