Srinagar, October 23, 2025 – In a remarkable display of skill and determination, young chess prodigy Minha Ayaz Wani from Kashmir has clinched the prestigious ‘Best Female Player’ award at the 5th AICF Chess for Everyone Open FIDE Rating Chess Tournament 2025. The national-level event, organized by the All India Chess Federation (AICF) with support from the Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council, featured around 200 participants from across India, including seniors, juniors, men, and women, making it a fiercely competitive platform for emerging talents.Held over nine grueling rounds, the tournament tested the mettle of players in a FIDE-rated format that adheres to international standards. Minha, representing Kashmir with unwavering focus, secured an impressive 5.5 points, showcasing exceptional composure and strategic brilliance that set her apart among the female competitors. Her performance not only earned her the top accolade in the women’s category but also reinforced Kashmir’s growing reputation as a breeding ground for chess excellence.Minha’s journey in chess has been nothing short of inspirational. The young athlete has a stellar record, including two gold medals at the national level, three gold medals in state championships, and consistent victories in inter-district, district, and zonal tournaments. Her latest triumph adds another feather to her cap, highlighting years of dedication and rigorous training that began at a tender age.
“Chess has taught me resilience and foresight—values that extend beyond the board. I’m grateful for this recognition and motivated to represent Kashmir on even bigger stages,” Minha shared in a statement following the award ceremony.The AICF Open FIDE Chess Tournament aligns with broader efforts to promote chess as an inclusive sport, fostering mental agility and strategic thinking among the youth. Officials from the Jammu and Kashmir Sports Council commended Minha’s achievement, noting it as a testament to the region’s untapped potential in intellectual sports. This victory comes amid Kashmir’s emergence as a vibrant sports hub, with recent events like the Indian Heaven Premier League (IHPL) 2025 further amplifying the area’s sporting fervor.As Minha continues to inspire peers and aspiring players, her success underscores the importance of grassroots support and investment in chess infrastructure across Jammu and Kashmir. The chess community eagerly anticipates her participation in upcoming national and international events, where she is poised to make further waves.
