DIMAPUR, OCT 19 (NPN): The Nagaland Chess Association (NCA) organised the Nagaland Open Pre-Season Chess Tournament 2026 at the Nagaland Olympic Association Hall, Kohima, on Sunday, with 45 players participating in the two-day competition scheduled to conclude on October 20.
The tournament has been organised to help players sharpen their skills and prepare for the upcoming North East Chess Championship, scheduled to be held in Dimapur from December 15 to 19.
Addressing participants during the welcome programme, NCA vice president Kiyaselie Mere highlighted the importance of the tournament as a preparatory platform ahead of the regional championship.
He said the competition would enable players to assess their abilities, improve their preparation and gain valuable experience and confidence before competing at the North East level.
Mere urged participants to approach every game with commitment, concentration and integrity. He cautioned them against taking the tournament lightly merely because it was not a state-level competition.
He also encouraged players to enjoy the game regardless of the outcome, emphasising that both victories and defeats should be viewed as opportunities to learn and improve.
NCA joint secretary Mengise Haikam attended the programme as the leader, while NCA honorary secretary Vekuho Soho briefed participants on the tournament rules.
The tournament was formally inaugurated with the ceremonial first move by Dr. Theyiesinuo Keditsu, assistant professor at Arts College, Kohima.
With a total prize fund of Rs. 40,000, the competition is expected to provide Nagaland’s chess players with valuable competitive exposure and help them prepare for the North East Chess Championship in December.
