Indian age-group talent is set dominate the inaugural Western Asian Youth chess championship which begins at the Tivoli Grand Resort here on Thursday.

Over the next six days, competitions in all 16 age-groups for boys and girls, will be played in classical, rapid and blitz formats. In all 795 players from 10 countries, including 647 from the host, are taking part.

Though India is expected to win most of the 48 medals at stake, some serious challenge can be expected from Uzbekistan and Bangladesh (22 entries each). An odd surprise from Sri Lanka (34 entries) cannot be ruled out.

On the opening day, when the rapid format is scheduled, 16 gold medals will be decided.

The biggest lure for the participants is the titles and norms for the medallists in almost all categories. For instance in the under-20 open section, the winner will receive an International Master title plus a Grandmaster Norm. Similarly, in the under-20 girls’ section, on offer is a Woman International Master title and a Woman Grandmaster norm. In case of a tie (not more than three players) for winner, after applying tie-breaker, will receive the IM or WIM title while the silver and bronze medallists will get an IM or WIM norm.

In the under-18 section, too, the winner gets an IM/WIM title whereas the other medallists receive IM/WIM norms and FIDE Masters titles. The under-16 winner claims the FIDE Master title besides the IM/WIM norm.

Similarly, in the lower age-group categories, players will be awarded FIDE Master and Candidate Masters titles, as per the stipulations.