Gukesh withdraws from Tata Steel Chess India in Kolkata due to personal reasons

Gukesh Exits Tata Steel Chess India Kolkata Ahead of Event

Written by: Supriya Kadu

Edited by: Pinky Deshmukh

Last Updated: 2026-01-05 07:29:25

Summary: Grandmaster Gukesh pulls out of the Tata Steel Chess India event in Kolkata, citing personal reasons.

Indian chess champion Grandmaster Gukesh D has withdrawn from the upcoming Tata Steel Chess India tournament in Kolkata, organisers confirmed on Monday. The young star cited personal reasons for his decision, leaving fans and fellow competitors surprised just days before the event was set to begin.

Gukesh — one of India’s brightest chess talents and a regular on the global circuit — had been expected to play in front of a home crowd in Kolkata, adding extra buzz to an already stacked field that includes some of the world’s top grandmasters. But according to the official statement, he won’t be taking part after all, with the team respecting his need to step away at this time.

Organisers didn’t go into detail about the nature of the personal issue, keeping the explanation brief and respectful of the player’s privacy. Chess fans quickly took to social media to offer Gukesh their support, wishing him well and hoping he’ll be back on the board soon.

Gukesh had been preparing for the tournament with characteristic focus, and his name on the entry list had been one of the talking points leading up to the event. His absence now means a reshuffle in the draw and gives other players a slightly different field to navigate.

Despite this unexpected change, the Tata Steel Chess India event is scheduled to feature an excellent lineup of prominent grandmasters playing for titles in the popular fast and blitz formats.

As the event approaches, excitement builds among people, and chess fans are eager to see Gukesh back soon.