Tech Mahindra launches national chess league for speech and hearing-impaired children
Tech Mahindra Foundation has launched a nationwide Chess League for children with speech and hearing impairment under its ARISE+ disability programme. Over 130 children have registered, with city winners set to witness the Global Chess League Finals in Mumbai this month.
HYDERABAD: Tech Mahindra Foundation, the CSR arm of Tech Mahindra, has launched a nationwide Chess League for children with impairmentand hearing impairment to make chess accessible, inclusive, and aspirational for players at every level.
The winners from each city will receive a special opportunity to witness the thrilling Global Chess League (GCL) Finals live in Mumbai this December. Over 130 children have already registered for this initiative, which is part of the Foundation’s ARISE+ disability program.
The Chess League for children with speech and hearing impairments traveled across major Indian cities between November 24 and November 28.
Students across three age groups—below 12, 12-18, and 18+—are participating in a single-day format designed to make competitive chess approachable for beginners, with 15-minute games played
individually and without time increments. The company plans to introduce time increments and team formats at the national level as the program expands. The winners and runners-up will receive an opportunity to travel to Mumbai and witness the GCL live, along with meeting the chess players and champions. Winners in each category will also receive medals and certificates.
This initiative, undertaken by its philanthropic arm, is part of Tech Mahindra’s broader investment in nurturing India’s chess culture, talent, and accessibility. Earlier this year, the company announced that Season 3 of the Global Chess League (GCL), its flagship joint venture with FIDE, will take place from December 13 to 24, 2025, at Mumbai’s iconic Royal Opera House.
Peeyush Dubey , Chairperson, Tech Mahindra Global Chess League, said, through this league, they would aim to ensure that every child, regardless of ability, had the opportunity to experience competition, build confidence, and foster a sense of community.
Chetan Kapoor , CEO, Tech Mahindra Foundation, said, “Our education and employability programs for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) have always focused on creating real opportunities through education, skilling, and sport. This league is another step in building accessible sporting platforms across India. Seeing these children compete with passion and joy reaffirms why initiatives like this matter.”
