Sri Vijaya Puram, Oct. 28: The Andaman Nicobar Chess Association (ANCA) is pleased to announce the Andaman & Nicobar State Open Rapid & Blitz Chess Championship 2026, scheduled to be held on 14 and 15 November 2026. The tournament will also serve as the selection trials for the National Rapid & Blitz Chess Championship.
The Rapid Chess Tournament will be conducted on 14 November 2026, with a time control of 10 minutes plus a 5-second increment per move, over nine rounds. The Blitz Chess Tournament will take place on 15 November 2026, with a time control of 5 minutes plus a 3-second increment per move, also over nine rounds.
The tournament will feature several awards and trophies to recognise outstanding performances. In the Rapid section, prizes will include the Top 5 Open category, age-group categories from Under-7 to Under-19, Best Youngest Boy, Best Youngest Girl, Best Veteran Above 60 Years, and Best Women 20+. A minimum of four points is required for the specified individual special awards.
In the Blitz section, trophies will be awarded to the Top 5 Open players, Top 3 Male players and Top 3 Female players. Medals will also be awarded to boys and girls in the Under-7, Under-9, Under-11, Under-13, Under-15 and Under-19 age groups.
The entry fee is ₹500, and the last date for registration is 6 November 2026 (Friday). Interested players may register by contacting Smti Sudha, ANCA Office, at 99332 17055. The venue details will be shared by the organisers at a later date.
Through this tournament, ANCA aims to promote chess in the islands, encourage young talent, strengthen the competitive chess culture and provide aspiring players with opportunities to represent the Andaman & Nicobar Islands at the national level.