Kohima, June 23 (MExN): The Nagaland Chess Association (NCA) will organise the 22nd Nagaland State FIDE Rating Chess Championship 2026 from July 16 to 18 at the Nagaland Olympic Association Hall, Kohima.
According to a press release from the NCA, this will be the first time the State Championship will be conducted as a FIDE-rated tournament in compliance with the FIDE Laws of Chess.
The championship will be played over eight rounds with a time control of 30 minutes plus a 30-second increment from move one.
The tournament carries a total prize pool of Rs 2.02 lakh and will feature competitions in seven categories—Open, Under-15, Under-11, Unrated, Female, Senior (60 years and above) and Under-7.
In the Open category, the champion will receive Rs 50,000 along with a trophy and certificate, while the runner-up and third-place finishers will receive Rs 30,000 and Rs 20,000 respectively. Cash prizes will also be awarded up to 10th place. In the remaining categories, prizes of Rs 8,000, Rs 6,000 and Rs 4,000 will be awarded to the top three finishers, along with consolation prizes for fourth and fifth places.
The entry fee has been fixed at Rs 1,000 for the Open category and Rs 500 for age-group categories.
To be eligible, participants must be registered members of the Nagaland Chess Association and the All India Chess Federation (AICF) for the 2026–27 season and have paid the prescribed entry fee.
The last date for submission of entries is July 13 at 5 pm.
For registration and further information, interested players may contact NCA Joint Secretary Mengise Haikam at 7005458265, the release stated.
