NCA invites players for 24th NE FIDE Rating Chess C’ship 2026

DIMAPUR, NOV 9 (NPN): The Nagaland Chess Association (NCA) has officially invited chess players from across the state to participate in the 24th North East FIDE Rating Chess Championship 2026, which will be hosted by the association from December 15 to 19, 2026, at The Covenant Hall, Christian Higher Secondary School, Nyamo Lotha Road, N.S.T. Colony, Dimapur.
The championship has been sanctioned by the All India Chess Federation (AICF) and is registered under FIDE Event ID: 503517/NL/2026. The tournament will provide a valuable opportunity for players to compete against some of the strongest chess talents from across the North Eastern region, earn FIDE ratings, and represent Nagaland at a higher competitive level.
According to the organizers, around 400 players from the North East are expected to participate in the championship. The event carries a total prize fund of Rs. 6 lakh, making it one of the most significant chess tournaments in the region.
The championship will be conducted in accordance with the FIDE Laws of Chess and follow the Swiss System format. Players will compete in nine rounds, with a time control of 90 minutes plus a 30-second increment per move from move one. Tie-breaks, if required, will be decided using the following criteria – Buchholz Cut 1, Buchholz, Sonneborn-Berger, Direct Encounter, Greater Number of Wins (including forfeits), and Number of Wins with Black Pieces. The NCA has urged both aspiring and experienced chess players in Nagaland to take advantage of the opportunity and showcase their tactical abilities on a prestigious regional platform.
The entry fee for the tournament has been fixed at Rs. 1,500 per player, while the last date for registration is December 10. Nagaland players have also been requested to register in advance to facilitate arrangements for tournament uniforms. Interested participants can access the official guidelines through the NCA website (nagalandchess.org) or refer to the AICF Tournament Circular available in the Events section of aicf.com. Players may also contact the organizers directly for registration, guidelines, and other inquiries.