Indian Grandmaster Nihal Sarin emerged victorious in the Open Rapid section of the 2026 Tata Steel Chess India tournament, held in Kolkata. Sarin clinched his second rapid title in Kolkata on Friday, January 9, 2026, with an impressive score of 6.5 points out of nine games. His win came after a crucial draw against five-time World Champion Viswanathan Anand in the final round, securing him the top spot ahead of Anand who finished second. The victory was particularly poignant for the 21-year-old, who dedicated it to his maternal grandfather, the person who introduced him to chess, and who had passed away the night before his win. In the Women's Rapid category, Russian Grandmaster Kateryna Lagno delivered a commanding performance, winning the title with a round to spare and remaining undefeated throughout the tournament. Lagno also scored 6.5 points, earning her first Rapid title at the event, though she had previously won the Blitz title in 2024. The seventh edition of the Tata Steel Chess India Rapid and Blitz tournament took place from January 7 to 11, 2026, at the Dhono Dhanyo Auditorium in Kolkata. The event featured a strong lineup of international and Indian Grandmasters, highlighting Kolkata's role as a key hub for global chess. This year's tournament also notably featured equal prize money for both the Open and Women's categories, a significant step for women's chess.