IM Arun Vaidya

International Master Arun Vaidya, India's seventh IM and a key figure in the country's chess history, passed away on December 24, 2025, at the age of 76. Known for his playing achievements in the 1970s and 1980s, as well as his influential coaching career, Vaidya left a lasting impact on Indian chess through his students and contemporaries. Tributes from grandmasters like Viswanathan Anand highlight his warmth and dedication to the game.