Bhubaneswar, November 2025:
The world of chess in Odisha has entered a defining new chapter with the successful Franchise Auction Ceremony of the Iconic Odisha Chess Premier League (IOCPL) 2025, hosted by the Iconic Sports Federation (ISF) in collaboration with the All Odisha Chess Association (AOCA).

The landmark event, held on 6th November 2025 at Hotel Lemon Tree, Bhubaneswar, marked a historic milestone in combining intellect, strategy, and corporate sportsmanship — a true celebration of mind and mastery.

Tournament Schedule & Highlights

The highly anticipated IOCPL 2025 Tournament will take place from 14th to 16th November 2025 at Hotel LYFE, Bhubaneswar.

• Opening Ceremony: 14th November, 10:00 AM

• First Match: 14th November, 12:30 PM

For the first time in Odisha, each franchise team will be guided by a designated mentor, blending strategic experience with youthful enthusiasm. This mentorship-driven approach ensures that IOCPL 2025 becomes more than just a tournament — it’s a platform for learning, excellence, and leadership in intellectual sports.

Meet the 12 Franchise Teams

Each IOCPL franchise reflects a perfect blend of vision, leadership, and passion — uniting Odisha’s business community with the strategic brilliance of chess.

Team Name                            Owner / Representative                        Organization

Chola Champions                       Shri Manas Kumar                                   Ranchi Capitals

Kalinga Warriors                         Shri Arghya Arpan                                    AKP HYMIX

Rajdhani Challengers                 Shri Jagadish Prasad Naik                       D N Group

Golconda Guardians                   Shri Asish Garg                                       Group–G

Mahanadi Falcons                      Shri Nishit Nanda                                     Arnika - Crafted by Khimji Dayabhai Co. Group.

Barabati Battlers                         Shri B. N. Sahoo                                     Triple C Chess Club

Victoria Victors                            Shri Raghvendra Singhania                    CGSCA

Amber Avengers                         Dr. K. Tammana                                      Studio 3Sixty5

Nalanda Knights                         Shri Suraj Raj                                          Raj Group of Companies

Sanchi Strategists                      Shri Manas Pani                                      IS Chess Center

Konark Kings                              Shri Dibya Das                                        Juggernaut

Ellora Elites                                Shri Sujit Kumar Rout                              Hindustan Advertising Agency

Dignitaries Who Graced the Occasion

The event was honored by eminent leaders and dignitaries from ISF and AOCA, whose vision has been key to building Odisha’s chess ecosystem.

From Iconic Sports Federation (ISF):
Dr. Sanjaya Chaudhury – Director
Dr. Chidatmika Khatua – Director
Dr. Sekh Abdul Samim – Director
Dr. Pradipta Mohanty – National President
Shri Bibhu Prasad Mishra – State President
Shri Sanjaya Das – State Secretary
Ms. Rashi Agrawal – State Convener
Mr. Darshan Kumar Behera – Regional Manager

From All Odisha Chess Association (AOCA):
Er. Debabrata Bhatta – Secretary
Bidu Bhushana Mishra – Treasurer
EC Members – Ritesh Rath, Abhishek Acharya & Padmini Singh

Team Mentors – The Minds Behind the Moves

A panel of Odisha’s finest chess experts will mentor each franchise team:
Mr. Dola Chand Sethi, Mr. Siddharth Nanda, Mr. Amlan Pradhan, Mr. Suraj Moharana, Mr. Biswajit Ray, Shri Debabrata Bhatta, Mr. Abhisek Acharya, Adv. Santosh Kumar Dash, Mr. Chinmaya Mahapatra, Ms. Pinky Mohapatra, and Mr. Dhananjaya Sabat.

Their combined expertise ensures that IOCPL becomes a breeding ground for future chess champions.

Sponsors & Partners: Powering Odisha’s Chess Revolution

The success of IOCPL 2025 is powered by visionary sponsors who share ISF’s mission to make Odisha a center for sports innovation and leadership:

• Jindal Steel

• Gemini Edibles & Fats India Ltd. (Freedom Refined Sunflower Oil)

• Indian Oil Corporation Limited

• Artha Nivesh Finserve

• Cassiopeia

• K.C.C

• SNM Group

Their partnership reinforces Odisha’s emergence as a leader in both intellectual and corporate sports development.

A Vision Beyond the Game

The Iconic Odisha Chess Premier League 2025 is more than a competition — it’s a movement celebrating intellect, nurturing youth, and elevating Odisha’s global identity in strategic sports.

As the state prepares for the grand opening on 14th November, IOCPL 2025 promises to inspire a new era of sportsmanship, strategy, and excellence in the heart of Odisha.

Contact Details:-
Iconic Sports Federation (ISF)
Plot No. 28/A, 1st Floor, Bapuji Nagar, Bhubaneswar – 751009, Odisha
official@isfindia.com |  +91 7978650354
www.isfindia.com