Six world crowns will be at stake when the 'World Youth Chess Championship' gets underway here from October 1.
As many as 66 countries and 56 title-holders, including three Grand Masters, will be in action during the contest. Six out of the over 450 participants, including 145 from India, are also world champions, a media release issued here on Thursday said.
World's second youngest Grand Master Praggnanandhaa R will be the star attraction, in what is touted as the biggest chess tournament ever to be held in India.
Sargsyan Shant (Armenia) and Iniyan P (India) will be the other GMs in fray.
The six titles up for grabs are in the Under-14, Under-16 and Under-18 categories for both boys and girls, it was announced here at the conference.
"I am so glad that we are organising this important tournament. I hope to see many more such mega events in India," GM Harika Dronavalli said in a video message.
"I started my professional career with the World Youth Chess Championship in Spain 2000. I won 5-6 medals in these championships, which put me on my long journey to the top," she added.
GM Koneru Humpy said, "India is probably hosting a tournament of this stature and magnitude for the first time. It is a great opportunity for young kids to watch, learn and get inspired by rubbing shoulders with other budding international stars."