Dimapur, November 9 (MExN): The Nagaland Chess Association (NCA) has invited chess players from across Nagaland to participate in the 24th North East FIDE Rating Chess Championship 2026, scheduled to be held from December 15 to 19 at The Covenant Hall, Christian Higher Secondary School, Nyamo Lotha Road, N.S.T. Colony, Dimapur.
The regional championship, organised by the NCA, has been sanctioned by the All India Chess Federation (AICF) and registered under FIDE Event ID 503517/NL/2026. The FIDE-rated classical tournament will provide players an opportunity to compete against participants from across the Northeastern region, improve their international ratings and represent Nagaland at a regional level.
The championship carries a total prize fund of Rs 6 lakh, with approximately 400 players from the Northeastern states expected to participate.
The tournament will be conducted in accordance with the FIDE Laws of Chess under the Swiss System, with a total of nine rounds. The time control will be 90 minutes, with a 30-second increment from the first move.
The tie-break criteria will include Buchholz Cut 1, Buchholz, Sonneborn-Berger, Direct Encounter, greater number of wins (including forfeits) and number of wins with the black pieces.
The NCA has urged aspiring and experienced chess players in Nagaland to participate in the championship and showcase their skills.
The entry fee is Rs 1,500 per player, and the last date for registration is December 10, 2026. Nagaland players have been requested to register in advance to facilitate arrangements for uniforms.
Interested players can access the official guidelines on the NCA website at nagalandchess.org or refer to the tournament circular under the Events section of the AICF website at aicf.com.
For registration, guidelines and enquiries, players may contact NCA Joint Secretaries Jetilo Apon at 70056 06064 or Mengise Haikam at 70054 58265.
