"Selection Committee"

#13189989

13 January 2026

Chairperson of the Nepali Communist Party (NCP), Pushpa Kamal Dahal, a former prime minister also known as Prachanda, and central committee members take their oath during a ceremony at the party's central office in Parisdanda, Kathmandu, Nepal. The NCP forms in November 2025 through the merger of more than ten communist factions, including Prachanda's CPN (Maoist Centre) and Madhav Kumar Nepal's CPN (Unified Socialist), with the oath-taking following the formal announcement of the party's leadership structure.

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#13189991

13 January 2026

Chairperson of the Nepali Communist Party (NCP), Pushpa Kamal Dahal, also known as Prachanda, Co-chairperson Madhav Kumar Nepal, both former prime ministers, and central committee members take their oath during a ceremony at the party's central office in Parisdanda, Kathmandu, Nepal. The NCP forms in November 2025 through the merger of more than ten communist factions, including the CPN (Maoist Centre) and CPN (Unified Socialist), with the oath-taking following the formal announcement of the party's leadership structure.

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#13190002

13 January 2026

Chairperson of the Nepali Communist Party (NCP), Pushpa Kamal Dahal, a former prime minister also known as Prachanda, and central committee members take their oath during a ceremony at the party's central office in Parisdanda, Kathmandu, Nepal. The NCP forms in November 2025 through the merger of more than ten communist factions, including Prachanda's CPN (Maoist Centre) and Madhav Kumar Nepal's CPN (Unified Socialist), with the oath-taking following the formal announcement of the party's leadership structure.

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#13189990

13 January 2026

Co-chairperson of the Nepali Communist Party (NCP), Madhav Kumar Nepal, a former prime minister, takes his oath during a ceremony at the party's central office in Parisdanda, Kathmandu, Nepal. The NCP forms in November 2025 through the merger of more than ten communist factions, including Madhav Nepal's CPN (Unified Socialist) and Pushpa Kamal Dahal's CPN (Maoist Centre), with the oath-taking following the formal announcement of the party's leadership structure.

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#13190001

13 January 2026

Chairperson of the Nepali Communist Party (NCP), Pushpa Kamal Dahal, a former prime minister also known as Prachanda, delivers a speech during the party's oath-taking ceremony at its central office in Parisdanda, Kathmandu, Nepal. In his address, he highlights the goals of the newly unified NCP, which forms in November 2025 through the merger of more than ten communist factions, including his CPN (Maoist Centre) and Madhav Kumar Nepal's CPN (Unified Socialist). The ceremony follows the formal announcement of the party's leadership structure.

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#13163206

7 January 2026

Indian chess grandmasters Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa and Viswanathan Anand look on during the draw ceremony for the upcoming Tata Steel Chess India tournament in Kolkata, India, on January 6, 2026. The headline narrative of the 2026 edition is the return of Viswanathan Anand to competitive action in Kolkata after a six-year gap. Five-time world champion and the architect of India's modern chess boom, Anand's presence is far more than ceremonial. Even at 56, his speed-chess credentials remain formidable, and his participation creates a symbolic bridge between generations. Facing him is a formidable Indian contingent led by Arjun Erigaisi and R Praggnanandhaa--players who represent the present and future of the sport. For Indian fans, the sight of Anand sharing the board with players he once mentors underlines just how rapidly the country's chess ecosystem matures. The women's section continues Tata Steel Chess India's commitment to parity and depth. With defending champions Aleksandra Goryachkina and Kateryna Lagno returning, and a strong Indian presence led by Divya Deshmukh and R. Vaishali, the competition promises to be fiercely contested. Equal prize money and identical formats underline the tournament's progressive structure and its role in strengthening women's chess in India.

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#13163210

7 January 2026

Indian chess grandmasters Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa and Viswanathan Anand look on during the draw ceremony for the upcoming Tata Steel Chess India tournament in Kolkata, India, on January 6, 2026. The headline narrative of the 2026 edition is the return of Viswanathan Anand to competitive action in Kolkata after a six-year gap. Five-time world champion and the architect of India's modern chess boom, Anand's presence is far more than ceremonial. Even at 56, his speed-chess credentials remain formidable, and his participation creates a symbolic bridge between generations. Facing him is a formidable Indian contingent led by Arjun Erigaisi and R Praggnanandhaa--players who represent the present and future of the sport. For Indian fans, the sight of Anand sharing the board with players he once mentored underlines just how rapidly the country's chess ecosystem matures. The women's section continues Tata Steel Chess India's commitment to parity and depth. With defending champions Aleksandra Goryachkina and Kateryna Lagno returning, and a strong Indian presence led by Divya Deshmukh and R. Vaishali, the competition promises to be fiercely contested. Equal prize money and identical formats underline the tournament's progressive structure and its role in strengthening women's chess in India.

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#13163211

7 January 2026

Indian chess grandmasters Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa and Viswanathan Anand look on during the draw ceremony for the upcoming Tata Steel Chess India tournament in Kolkata, India, on January 6, 2026. The headline narrative of the 2026 edition is the return of Viswanathan Anand to competitive action in Kolkata after a six-year gap. Five-time world champion and the architect of India's modern chess boom, Anand's presence is far more than ceremonial. Even at 56, his speed-chess credentials remain formidable, and his participation creates a symbolic bridge between generations. Facing him is a formidable Indian contingent led by Arjun Erigaisi and R Praggnanandhaa--players who represent the present and future of the sport. For Indian fans, the sight of Anand sharing the board with players he once mentored underlines just how rapidly the country's chess ecosystem matures. The women's section continues Tata Steel Chess India's commitment to parity and depth. With defending champions Aleksandra Goryachkina and Kateryna Lagno returning, and a strong Indian presence led by Divya Deshmukh and R. Vaishali, the competition promises to be fiercely contested. Equal prize money and identical formats underline the tournament's progressive structure and its role in strengthening women's chess in India.

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#13163212

7 January 2026

Indian chess grandmasters Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa and Viswanathan Anand look on during the draw ceremony for the upcoming Tata Steel Chess India tournament in Kolkata, India, on January 6, 2026. The headline narrative of the 2026 edition is the return of Viswanathan Anand to competitive action in Kolkata after a six-year gap. Five-time world champion and the architect of India's modern chess boom, Anand's presence is far more than ceremonial. Even at 56, his speed-chess credentials remain formidable, and his participation creates a symbolic bridge between generations. Facing him is a formidable Indian contingent led by Arjun Erigaisi and R Praggnanandhaa--players who represent the present and future of the sport. For Indian fans, the sight of Anand sharing the board with players he once mentored underlines just how rapidly the country's chess ecosystem matures. The women's section continues Tata Steel Chess India's commitment to parity and depth. With defending champions Aleksandra Goryachkina and Kateryna Lagno returning, and a strong Indian presence led by Divya Deshmukh and R. Vaishali, the competition promises to be fiercely contested. Equal prize money and identical formats underline the tournament's progressive structure and its role in strengthening women's chess in India.

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#13163213

7 January 2026

Indian chess grandmasters Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa and Viswanathan Anand look on during the draw ceremony for the upcoming Tata Steel Chess India tournament in Kolkata, India, on January 6, 2026. The headline narrative of the 2026 edition is the return of Viswanathan Anand to competitive action in Kolkata after a six-year gap. Five-time world champion and the architect of India's modern chess boom, Anand's presence is far more than ceremonial. Even at 56, his speed-chess credentials remain formidable, and his participation creates a symbolic bridge between generations. Facing him is a formidable Indian contingent led by Arjun Erigaisi and R Praggnanandhaa--players who represent the present and future of the sport. For Indian fans, the sight of Anand sharing the board with players he once mentored underlines just how rapidly the country's chess ecosystem matures. The women's section continues Tata Steel Chess India's commitment to parity and depth. With defending champions Aleksandra Goryachkina and Kateryna Lagno returning, and a strong Indian presence led by Divya Deshmukh and R. Vaishali, the competition promises to be fiercely contested. Equal prize money and identical formats underline the tournament's progressive structure and its role in strengthening women's chess in India.

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#13163215

7 January 2026

Indian chess grandmasters Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa and Viswanathan Anand look on during the draw ceremony for the upcoming Tata Steel Chess India tournament in Kolkata, India, on January 6, 2026. The headline narrative of the 2026 edition is the return of Viswanathan Anand to competitive action in Kolkata after a six-year gap. Five-time world champion and the architect of India's modern chess boom, Anand's presence is far more than ceremonial. Even at 56, his speed-chess credentials remain formidable, and his participation creates a symbolic bridge between generations. Facing him is a formidable Indian contingent led by Arjun Erigaisi and R Praggnanandhaa--players who represent the present and future of the sport. For Indian fans, the sight of Anand sharing the board with players he once mentored underlines just how rapidly the country's chess ecosystem matures. The women's section continues Tata Steel Chess India's commitment to parity and depth. With defending champions Aleksandra Goryachkina and Kateryna Lagno returning, and a strong Indian presence led by Divya Deshmukh and R. Vaishali, the competition promises to be fiercely contested. Equal prize money and identical formats underline the tournament's progressive structure and its role in strengthening women's chess in India.

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#13163218

7 January 2026

Indian chess grandmasters Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa and Viswanathan Anand look on during the draw ceremony for the upcoming Tata Steel Chess India tournament in Kolkata, India, on January 6, 2026. The headline narrative of the 2026 edition is the return of Viswanathan Anand to competitive action in Kolkata after a six-year gap. Five-time world champion and the architect of India's modern chess boom, Anand's presence is far more than ceremonial. Even at 56, his speed-chess credentials remain formidable, and his participation creates a symbolic bridge between generations. Facing him is a formidable Indian contingent led by Arjun Erigaisi and R Praggnanandhaa--players who represent the present and future of the sport. For Indian fans, the sight of Anand sharing the board with players he once mentored underlines just how rapidly the country's chess ecosystem matures. The women's section continues Tata Steel Chess India's commitment to parity and depth. With defending champions Aleksandra Goryachkina and Kateryna Lagno returning, and a strong Indian presence led by Divya Deshmukh and R. Vaishali, the competition promises to be fiercely contested. Equal prize money and identical formats underline the tournament's progressive structure and its role in strengthening women's chess in India.

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#13163219

7 January 2026

Indian chess grandmasters Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa and Viswanathan Anand speak during the draw ceremony for the upcoming Tata Steel Chess India tournament in Kolkata, India, on January 6, 2026. The headline narrative of the 2026 edition is the return of Viswanathan Anand to competitive action in Kolkata after a six-year gap. Five-time world champion and the architect of India's modern chess boom, Anand's presence is more than ceremonial. Even at 56, his speed-chess credentials remain formidable, and his participation creates a symbolic bridge between generations. Facing him is a formidable Indian contingent led by Arjun Erigaisi and R Praggnanandhaa--players who represent the present and future of the sport. For Indian fans, the sight of Anand sharing the board with players he once mentored underlines how rapidly the country's chess ecosystem has matured. The women's section continues Tata Steel Chess India's commitment to parity and depth. With defending champions Aleksandra Goryachkina and Kateryna Lagno returning, and a strong Indian presence led by Divya Deshmukh and R. Vaishali, the competition promises to be fiercely contested. Equal prize money and identical formats underline the tournament's progressive structure and its role in strengthening women's chess in India.

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#13163220

7 January 2026

Indian chess grandmasters Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa and Viswanathan Anand speak during the draw ceremony for the upcoming Tata Steel Chess India tournament in Kolkata, India, on January 6, 2026. The headline narrative of the 2026 edition is the return of Viswanathan Anand to competitive action in Kolkata after a six-year gap. Five-time world champion and the architect of India's modern chess boom, Anand's presence is more than ceremonial. Even at 56, his speed-chess credentials remain formidable, and his participation creates a symbolic bridge between generations. Facing him is a formidable Indian contingent led by Arjun Erigaisi and R Praggnanandhaa--players who represent the present and future of the sport. For Indian fans, the sight of Anand sharing the board with players he once mentored underlines how rapidly the country's chess ecosystem has matured. The women's section continues Tata Steel Chess India's commitment to parity and depth. With defending champions Aleksandra Goryachkina and Kateryna Lagno returning, and a strong Indian presence led by Divya Deshmukh and R. Vaishali, the competition promises to be fiercely contested. Equal prize money and identical formats underline the tournament's progressive structure and its role in strengthening women's chess in India.

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#13163221

7 January 2026

Indian chess grandmasters Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa and Viswanathan Anand look on during the draw ceremony for the upcoming Tata Steel Chess India tournament in Kolkata, India, on January 6, 2026. The headline narrative of the 2026 edition is the return of Viswanathan Anand to competitive action in Kolkata after a six-year gap. Five-time world champion and the architect of India's modern chess boom, Anand's presence is far more than ceremonial. Even at 56, his speed-chess credentials remain formidable, and his participation creates a symbolic bridge between generations. Facing him is a formidable Indian contingent led by Arjun Erigaisi and R Praggnanandhaa--players who represent the present and future of the sport. For Indian fans, the sight of Anand sharing the board with players he once mentored underlines just how rapidly the country's chess ecosystem matures. The women's section continues Tata Steel Chess India's commitment to parity and depth. With defending champions Aleksandra Goryachkina and Kateryna Lagno returning, and a strong Indian presence led by Divya Deshmukh and R. Vaishali, the competition promises to be fiercely contested. Equal prize money and identical formats underline the tournament's progressive structure and its role in strengthening women's chess in India.

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#13163222

7 January 2026

Indian chess grandmaster Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa participates in the draw ceremony for the upcoming Tata Steel Chess India tournament in Kolkata, India, on January 6, 2026. The headline narrative of the 2026 edition is the return of Viswanathan Anand to competitive action in Kolkata after a six-year gap. Five-time world champion and the architect of India's modern chess boom, Anand's presence is far more than ceremonial. Even at 56, his speed-chess credentials remain formidable, and his participation creates a symbolic bridge between generations. Facing him is a formidable Indian contingent led by Arjun Erigaisi and R Praggnanandhaa--players who represent the present and future of the sport. For Indian fans, the sight of Anand sharing the board with players he once mentored underlines just how rapidly the country's chess ecosystem matures. The women's section continues Tata Steel Chess India's commitment to parity and depth. With defending champions Aleksandra Goryachkina and Kateryna Lagno returning, and a strong Indian presence led by Divya Deshmukh and R. Vaishali, the competition promises to be fiercely contested. Equal prize money and identical formats underline the tournament's progressive structure and its role in strengthening women's chess in India.

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