World Champion Gukesh Dommaraju has withdrawn from Tata Steel Chess India 2026, which will be held in Kolkata from January 7 to 11. The official announcement was posted in a Story on the official Tata Steel Chess India Instagram account on January 2.

Tata Steel Chess India

Tata Steel Chess India

On Instagram

“Due to personal reasons, Gukesh D. will be unable to participate in Tata Steel Chess India this year.”

Indian GM Nihal Sarin will take Gukesh’s place. India will be represented at this tournament by R. Praggnanandhaa, Arjun Erigaisi, Vidit Gujrathi, and Aravindh Chithambaram.

The Tata Steel Chess India 2026 will take place in Kolkata, India from January 7 to 9. The event features an $83,000 prize pool, with Open and Women’s Rapid and Blitz tournaments. Time controls at tournaments will be 15+10 for Rapid and 3+2 for Blitz.

Credit: Crystal Fuller