Quantbox Research, in collaboration with the HelpChess Foundation, has selected 15 promising young chess players from across India for its inaugural Rs. 60 lakh scholarship program. Announced in June 2025, the initiative aims to alleviate financial barriers in chess training and tournaments. The recipients, ranging from grandmasters to child prodigies, expressed gratitude for the support that will enhance their careers.
The Quantbox Research Scholarship represents the largest funding initiative through the HelpChess Foundation to date, totaling Rs. 60 lakh (approximately US$70,000). It builds on Quantbox's prior involvement in Indian chess, including a five-year Rs. 12 crore sponsorship of Grandmaster Arjun Erigaisi starting in July 2023, a Rs. 2 lakh personal contribution by founder Prashant Singh during the World Cup 2023, and title sponsorship of the Chennai GrandMasters for 2025.
The program categorizes support based on players' levels and goals: Rs. 6,00,000 annually for those in the 2600+ Elo range aiming for 2700; Rs. 5,40,000 for grandmasters targeting 2600; Rs. 4,80,000 for international masters pursuing the grandmaster title; Rs. 3,00,000 for talents seeking international master status; variable amounts for deserving girl players (Rs. 3,00,000 or Rs. 2,40,000); and Rs. 1,20,000 for special young talents.
Among the recipients is GM Pranav V (born 2006, 2641 Elo), a former World Junior Champion, who received Rs. 6,00,000. His parents stated: "As a parent, we are very happy that his ability is recognised and we are supported to help him achieve his passion." Pranav Anand (born 2006), former Under-16 World Youth Champion, noted: "I am very happy to have received this support after crossing 2600... It will have a great impact on my chess career."
Other notable awardees include Abhimanyu Puranik (born 2000, 2622 Elo, India's 49th GM), Aaryan Varshney (born 2005, India's 92nd GM), and young prodigies like Divi Bijesh (born 2015), the first Indian to win the FIDE World Cup Cadets U-10 title in 2025, and Anish Sarkar (born 2021), the youngest FIDE-rated player as of November 2024.
Parents and players highlighted the scholarship's role in covering coaching, travel, and equipment costs, which often exceed Rs. 25 lakh annually. For instance, Ethan Vaz's father wrote: "This thoughtful gesture... not only provides financial assistance, but also serves as huge recognition of Ethan's hard work." The initiative underscores efforts to nurture India's abundant chess talent despite financial hurdles.
