Pune has a long history of chess. It is known as the educational capital of India and is home to five chess grandmasters. This article is about the five-day offline chess camp we organised in Pune.
Dates: 21–25 September 2026
Venue: Fern Habitat
Organised by: Firgun Talent
Why did we decide to organise this camp?
Deepti and I were discussing chess coaching when we identified a gap: intensive chess camps for strong players. Many players contact me for individual coaching, and most are rated between 1700 and 2300. As one coach, I cannot accept everyone.
We decided to organise camps for two or three rating categories. A camp costs players less than individual coaching and gives them an opportunity to train intensively.
For our first camp, we chose players rated above 2100 FIDE. We kept the rating criteria strict and plan to do the same for future camps, with the option of up to two places for women players using a 100-point rating adjustment.
About Fern Habitat
Fern Habitat is a hotel in Mundhwa, Pune, with guest rooms, dining facilities and space for events and gatherings. It has also become a venue for Pune’s chess community.
In July 2026, it hosted the first Pune International GM Round Robin, organised by Buddhibal Kreeda Trust. It was a memorable tournament for Pune: Aswath S secured his final GM norm there, while Advik Agrawal earned an IM norm. Fern Habitat also has a Habitat Chess Club.
About Firgun Talent
Firgun Talent was founded to support promising chess players. It works with players, coaches, organisers and partners to create opportunities for growth. Its focus is on identifying talent early and providing structured support, exposure, mentorship and opportunities to progress.
Firgun also aims to contribute to the wider chess community through camps, tournaments and collaborations that connect players with people and platforms that can help them move forward.
Firgun currently works with Grandmasters Abhijit Kunte and Surya Shekhar Ganguly, and young talent Aarav Sarbalia.
Students and response
We received a great response from Pune chess players. The camp attendees were
- FM Advik Agrawal (2374)
- FM Viresh Sharnarthi (2326)
- CM Siddhant Salunke (2214)
- CM Shitiz Prasad (2204)
- CM Alaukik Sinha (2183)
- CM Aarush Dolas (2165)
- Aditya Shripad Joshi (2109)
- WCM Nihira Koul (2035)
Everyone was a titled player and a strong chess player.
What we covered each day
The camp focused mainly on decision making, practical thinking and studies. Training a group of young, talented players was challenging.
- Day 1: Endgame studies and material imbalances
- Day 2: Attacking play, material imbalances and decision making
- Day 3: Making the right choice, decision making and studies
- Day 4: Calculation, studies, difficult calculation, and opposite-coloured bishop and rook endgames
- Day 5: Dynamic thinking, playing from calculation positions and working through the decision-making process
Meetings with parents
I spoke individually with three parents for around 20–30 minutes each. We discussed several important things.
Next camp: 1800–2100 FIDE
I will coach the next camp for players rated 1800–2100 FIDE. It will take place from 19 to 23 October 2026 at Fern Habitat in Pune.
Thanks to Sanket Yadav for helping us run the event smoothly.
Contact details and links
Firgun Talent Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/firgun_talent/
Fern Habitat website – https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/pnqfh-the-fern-habitat-pune-mundhwa-series/overview/
Link of another camp which I took – Our First 10 Day Residential Chess Camp with Student