The Hidden Costs of Becoming a Chess Grandmaster: Why Aspiring Players Need to Budget Rs 70 Lakhs
Chess: A Game of Strategy, Skill, and Surprising Costs
April 22, 2026 — India is experiencing a chess renaissance, with young talents emerging as grandmasters at an unprecedented rate. The latest prodigy, Aronyak Ghosh, has recently claimed the title, becoming India’s 95th grandmaster. However, behind this surge in talent lies a stark reality: the financial burden of reaching the pinnacle of chess is far from trivial.
While chess is often perceived as an inexpensive sport—requiring no elaborate equipment or playing fields—families of aspiring grandmasters reveal that the journey to the top can cost a fortune. Mrinal Ghosh, Aronyak’s father, disclosed that his family has invested approximately ₹46 lakh over the past 15 years to support their son’s ambitions. Surprisingly, he noted that this amount is relatively modest compared to what many families spend.
“Parents should be prepared with at least ₹70 lakh if they want their child to become a grandmaster,” said Monomita Chakraborty, mother of Mayank Chakraborty, India’s 94th grandmaster. This figure is considered a conservative estimate, with many families facing even higher expenses as they navigate the competitive landscape of chess.
The Hidden Costs of Chess
So, what drives these costs? The answer lies in several key areas:
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Coaching Fees: Aspiring grandmasters require expert guidance, often from seasoned players. The hourly rate for a grandmaster coach can range from ₹10,000 to ₹20,000, making regular training a significant expense.
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Training Partners: To hone their skills, young players need to compete against top-level opponents. These training partners also come at a price, further inflating the budget.
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Preparation Aides: Players often hire “seconds,” who assist in strategizing and preparing for tournaments. This additional layer of support adds to the financial strain.
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International Travel: To gain the necessary norms and ratings, many players travel to Europe, where prestigious tournaments are held. The costs associated with travel, accommodation, and daily expenses can quickly escalate.
Mrinal Ghosh emphasized that players with ratings above 2600 can spend upwards of ₹4-5 lakh per month on chess-related expenses.
The Sponsorship Dilemma
Despite the rising popularity of chess in India, many parents express frustration over the lack of sponsorship opportunities. This absence of financial support means that families are often left to shoulder the entire burden of expenses, making the pursuit of chess greatness a daunting financial challenge.
As chess continues to captivate the hearts of millions in India, the journey to becoming a grandmaster remains a costly endeavor. While the game may not require expensive equipment, the financial commitment needed to reach the top is substantial, leaving many aspiring players and their families to weigh the costs against their dreams.
In a sport where strategy is key, it seems that financial planning is just as crucial for those aiming for the grandmaster title.