Dharavi, one of Asia’s most densely populated informal settlements, is hosting a large-scale intellectual sports event: the Dharavi Schools Chess Championship 2025. The tournament, held on Friday (December 12, 2025) at the District Sports Club, marks a significant step towards community upliftment through sports and education.
A Platform for Young Strategists
The championship, hosted by Nav Bharat Mega Developers Private Limited (NMDPL) and the Adani Group, saw over 200 students from more than 30 local schools compete across Junior and Senior categories. Known for producing talented professionals across various fields, Dharavi is now showcasing its budding intellectual talent on a competitive stage.
#WATCH | Mumbai, Maharashtra | Dharavi Chess Championship 2025 | Chess Grandmaster Praggnanandhaa says, "This is a memorable day for me to interact with many children here who are very excited for chess...From here it is just onwards and upwards for them and the game...We are… pic.twitter.com/QjbcC34doe
— ANI (@ANI) December 12, 2025
NMDPL, the entity leading the Dharavi redevelopment project, views this initiative as more than just an infrastructure program. It is an investment in human capital, aiming to nurture cognitive skills, build confidence, and open pathways for aspiration-driven growth among young learners.
Grandmaster Praggnanandhaa Leads Engagement
Reinforcing the Adani Group’s commitment to grassroots sports promotion, the event features India’s chess prodigy, Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa. The chess star is leading interactive sessions, exhibition games, and conversations centered on critical life skills like discipline, resilience, and focused thinking, values essential both in competitive chess and in life.
#WATCH | Maharashtra | Chess Grandmaster Praggnanandhaa interacted with chess enthusiasts at the Dharavi Chess Championship 2025, held at the District Sports Club in Mumbai. https://t.co/8VlAsLFcrz pic.twitter.com/lipMoqUB84
— ANI (@ANI) December 12, 2025
Selected players also received the rare opportunity to compete against the Grandmaster in a simultaneous exhibition match, providing invaluable exposure to world-class strategic thinking.
Transforming Communities Through Intellectual Sports
This initiative underscores the transformative role that intellectual sports like chess can play, providing vital opportunities for children in high-density settlements. Chess equips young people with problem-solving abilities, curiosity, and a mindset for lifelong learning. By creating such platforms, NMDPL aims to widen horizons for the next generation, helping them dream bigger and aim higher. The event is a visible community-centric initiative following the Adani Group's securing of the Dharavi redevelopment bid in November 2022.
