Vidhi Karelia, a passionate chess teacher, and Srinath Narayanan, a renowned Indian chess coach, married on February 6, 2026. The couple, who met online in 2021, represent an inter-state union blending Gujarati and Tamil backgrounds within the chess community. Their story highlights contrasting personalities and shared love for the game.
Vidhi Karelia and Srinath Narayanan's wedding on February 6, 2026, brought together two figures from India's chess world, often likened to the Bollywood film "2 States" due to their cross-cultural roots. Vidhi, from a Gujarati household, previously served as an Events Manager at ChessBase India and is known for her enthusiasm in teaching chess to beginners. She describes her energy as chaotic and enjoys dancing, particularly belly dancing, and cooking. Srinath, from a Tamil background, is a Grandmaster and respected coach who guided India's men's team to gold at the 45th FIDE Chess Olympiad in 2024.
The couple met online in September 2021, entering regular contact by October. Their first in-person meeting occurred in Surat, marking a turning point that led to shared trips. Vidhi's chess journey began at age seven during a school summer camp, where she switched from table tennis—due to her height—and won a medal in a small tournament. She reached national level in school but shifted focus to medicine, later teaching chess in Mumbai for income while preserving her passion for the game.
Srinath discovered chess on a family trip and built a professional career, emphasizing mentoring high-level players. Their teaching styles differ: Srinath focuses on maximizing potential for serious competitors, while Vidhi prioritizes introducing newcomers to chess's beauty as a way to give back.
A notable moment came in early 2022 during a surprise trip to Delhi—Vidhi's first flight—organized by Srinath amid her exam stress. It was cut short when Srinath was called for discussions on hosting the 44th FIDE Chess Olympiad in India, which Chennai ultimately did. Vidhi reflected, "That was a very challenging time for him... it's kind of a celebrity... these will be the kind of sacrifices we will both have to make."
At the 2022 Olympiad, they maintained privacy, with Srinath coaching the team and Vidhi volunteering, interacting minimally due to focus demands. They balance each other: Srinath values Vidhi's emotional insight, and she appreciates his patience. Vidhi likened their bond to "solving a jigsaw puzzle... the last missing piece." Srinath called it a "pair of bishops," covering the board without overlap.
They occasionally play chess, where Vidhi's competitiveness shines; she once drew with him. Receptions followed in Pune on February 6 and Chennai on February 8, 2026, celebrating their union across cultures as an opportunity to learn and adapt.
