In a historic move for the chess community in Nagaland, the Nagaland Chess Association (NCA), under the aegis of the All India Chess Federation (AICF), is set to organize the 1st Nagaland Open FIDE Rating Rapid Chess Tournament 2025.
The tournament will be held on April 24 and 25, 2025, at Don Bosco Institute for Development and Leadership Hall, Riverbelt Colony, Dimapur. This landmark event marks the first-ever FIDE-rated chess tournament in Nagaland, setting the stage for a significant milestone in the state’s chess history.
The 2-day rapid tourney will feature a total prize fund of Rs. 3,00,000 and will offer prizes across 49 different categories. The tournament will consist of 9 rounds, played according to FIDE’s (Fédération Internationale des Échecs) laws of chess and the Swiss system.
The time control for the tournament will be 10 minutes with a 5-second increment starting from move one. This event is open to all Indian players, including both rated and unrated participants.
The entry fee is Rs. 1000 for players from Nagaland and Rs. 1500 for players from other states. The deadline for registration is April 15, with a late registration period available until April 22, 2025, subject to a late fee of Rs. 250.
The Association has informed that this tournament presents a golden opportunity for Naga chess players, especially those who are unrated, to obtain an internationally recognized FIDE rating.
To receive a FIDE rating, players must participate in FIDE-rated tournaments, play at least 5 games against rated players, and score at least half a point against them. FIDE ratings, or Elo ratings, provide a numerical representation of a player’s chess strength and are crucial for advancing a player’s career in the international chess arena.
The association further stated that while Nagaland has seen several unrated chess tournaments over the past three decades, this will be the first time players will have the chance to earn FIDE ratings locally. Interested players can contact Mengise Haikam, Jt secy, NCA, Ph. No. 7005458265 for registration.