The Nagaland Chess Association will host the 22nd Nagaland State FIDE Rating Chess Championship 2026 from July 16 to 18 at the Nagaland Olympic Association Hall in Kohima, marking a historic milestone as the state championship earns FIDE rating status for the first time.
According to a press release from the Nagaland Chess Association, the tournament will be conducted in full compliance with the FIDE Laws of Chess, elevating it from a purely domestic competition to one that counts toward players’ international ratings.
Format, Categories, and Prize Money
The championship will be contested over eight rounds, with a time control of 30 minutes plus a 30-second increment from move one. Seven categories are on offer: Open, Under-15, Under-11, Unrated, Female, Senior (60 years and above), and Under-7.
The tournament carries a total prize pool of Rs 2.02 lakh. The Open category champion will take home Rs 50,000 along with a trophy and certificate, with the runner-up receiving Rs 30,000 and third place Rs 20,000. Cash prizes in the Open category extend all the way to 10th place.
In all other age-group and gender categories, the top three finishers receive Rs 8,000, Rs 6,000, and Rs 4,000 respectively, with consolation prizes also available for fourth and fifth place finishers.
Eligibility and Registration
Entry fees are set at Rs 1,000 for the Open category and Rs 500 for all age-group categories. To be eligible, participants must hold valid membership with both the Nagaland Chess Association and the All India Chess Federation for the 2026-27 season, in addition to paying the required entry fee.
The deadline for entries is July 13 at 5 pm. Players seeking registration or further information can contact NCA Joint Secretary Mengise Haikam at 7005458265.
