Hallbergmoos, Germany – December 31, 2025

The year 2025 has been a period of steady growth and exploration for Anish Pujar. Moving beyond the initial stages of learning, this year was defined by a shift toward structured play, club involvement, and gaining a firsthand look at the professional chess world.

Integration into Schach-Klub Freising

A significant part of the experience this year was becoming an active member of Schach-Klub Freising. For a young player, the club served as a home base for sharing an interest in the game with peers and mentors.

The year involved moving from individual practice to team environments, such as playing for SK Freising 1, 2 or 3 in the U16 A-Klasse and participating in the U12-Kreisliga. These club matches provided a different perspective on the game—one where the result contributes to a collective effort rather than just an individual score.

Tournament Participation Across the Region

The 2025 calendar was marked by a series of regional tournaments that tested different formats, from rapid games to longer time controls. The path took Anish through several cities and venues:

• Early Steps: The journey began with the Hobby Chess Mini Olympiad in Munich in February.

• Rapid and Pokal Events: Throughout the summer and autumn, Anish traveled to events like the Altöttinger Jugend-Schnellschach-Open, the Garchinger DWZ-Pokalturniere, and the Bamberger Jugend-Open.

• League Play: Matches in Neufahrn, Ergolding, and Ortenburg offered a variety of playing styles and environments, contributing to a year focused on gathering as much board time as possible.

Stepping onto the International Stage: OIBM Tegernsee

A standout experience of the year was the 28th OIBM (Offene Internationale Bayerische Meisterschaft) in Tegernsee. This was Anish’s first ELO-rated tournament, marking his entry into the international rating system.

Playing at Tegernsee meant sitting in the same hall as Grandmasters and seasoned professionals. The experience was less about the final standing and more about the atmosphere of a high-level open tournament—navigating long games, managing notation, and securing an initial win in a field of experienced international competitors.

Observations from the Chennai Grandmasters

Beyond his own games, 2025 provided an opportunity to witness top-tier chess during the Chennai Grandmasters in India. This visit allowed for a close-up look at the professional circuit.

Being in the presence of GMs like Vincent Keymer , Anish Giri, Vidit Gujrathi, and Nihal Sarin, and interacting with figures like IM Sagar Shah and IM Tania Sachdev, provided a behind-the-scenes view of the sport. Observing the preparation, the focus, and the intensity of a world-class event in Chennai served as a practical education in what it takes to compete at the highest levels.

Interests Away from the 64 Squares

While chess occupied much of the year, other interests provided a necessary balance.

• Badminton: This served as a regular physical outlet, offering a contrast to the stationary nature of chess. It remained a primary way to stay active and develop coordination.

• Dance: Described as an “occupational” interest, dance remained a creative constant throughout 2025. Whether at home or during breaks from schoolwork, it provided a way to disconnect from the logic of the board and focus on rhythm and movement.