Checkmate Bengaluru: Bhartiya Mall Of Bengaluru Hosts Week-Long Chess Festival With Arena Grandmaster Praveen Sagar

Bhartiya Mall of Bengaluru will bring together players, learners and chess enthusiasts for Battle of the Boards, a week-long chess festival celebrating strategy, skill and sportsmanship from 13–19 July 2026.

The tournament will begin with a Chess Free Play Zone from 13–16 July, open to participants of all ages and skill levels. Visitors can register on BookMyShow or on the spot and play casual chess games in an interactive setting designed for learning, practice, and friendly competition.

A key highlight of Battle of the Boards is the participation of Arena Grandmaster (AGM) Praveen Sagar, who will lead a series of exclusive chess sessions. On 17 July, participants can attend the Masters Showcase & Workshop, an exclusive, interactive chess workshop led by Arena Grandmaster (AGM) Praveen Sagar. The AGM will conduct simultaneous walk-throughs across every board, interacting directly with young minds and providing live strategic guidance. The workshop will be conducted in two batches, from 5:00 PM–6:00 PM and 7:00 PM–8:00 PM.

On 18 July, chess enthusiasts will have the opportunity to challenge Arena Grandmaster (AGM) Praveen Sagar during the Challenge the Arena Grandmaster event. A thrilling public attraction, the event will give pre-registered players a rare opportunity to match wits with one of the game's accomplished players in a friendly yet competitive setting.

The programme will feature a simultaneous chess game from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM, where AGM Praveen Sagar will play multiple opponents at the same time. This will be followed by the Face the Master Challenge from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM, giving participants another chance to test their skills against the grandmaster in individual games.

The tournament will culminate on 19 July with the Grand Chess Tournament, for a day of competitive play, strategic thinking and sportsmanship open to all.

Open to children, students, families, chess clubs, academies and competitive players, Battle of the Boards aims to make chess more accessible while fostering a vibrant community of players and enthusiasts.

Through initiatives such as Battle of the Boards, Bhartiya Mall of Bengaluru continues to strengthen its position as a destination for experiences that bring communities and families together. By curating engaging events that combine learning, recreation and meaningful social interaction, the mall continues to create opportunities for people of all ages to connect, participate and make lasting memories.

Event Details

Battle of the Board - 13–19 July 2026
Free Play Zone	13–16 July	On-site registration. 4 PM Onwards	Complimentary chess games for all visitors.
Masters Showcase & Workshop	17 July	Registration Fee: ₹100 per participant. Batch 1: 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM Batch 2: 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM	Interactive workshop led by Arena Grandmaster (AGM) Praveen Sagar. Live demonstrations, strategic insights and practical chess guidance.
Challenge the Arena Grandmaster	18 July	Simultaneous Chess Exhibition: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM Face the Master Challenge: 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM	Opportunity to compete against AGM Praveen Sagar. 10 selected participants will compete against the Grandmaster simultaneously.
Grand Chess Tournament	19 July	4 PM Onwards	Competitive tournament open for all.