1st Late MLA Vinayakrao Nimhan Memorial Open FIDE Rapid Rating Chess Tournament 2026 will take place on August 1 and 2, 2026, at Sunny’s World in Pune.

Moreover, the open will use a nine-round Swiss system. Players receive 25 minutes plus a 10-second increment from move one.

In addition, the official tournament listings advertise a cash prize fund of INR 200,000 / approx. $2,130 and register the event with FIDE and the All India Chess Federation.

Meanwhile, Sunny’s World provides a large resort and event complex on Pashan–Sus Road, allowing families to combine the competition with on-site accommodation and dining.

Therefore, Indian participants should confirm current AICF and federation requirements, complete payment and verify their appearance on the official player list.

🗓️ Event Details

⏱️ Time Control & Pairings

The tournament will run over nine Swiss-system rounds. Each player receives 25 minutes for the game with a 10-second increment after every move.

The longer rapid control gives players more calculation time than a standard one-day rapid event while still allowing the full tournament to be completed over two days.

Moreover, players should check the published pairings before every round and report any discrepancy immediately. Therefore, each participant should arrive early enough to find the board, prepare the scoresheet when required and follow the arbiter’s instructions.

🏆 Prize Fund

The published cash prize fund is INR 200,000 / approx. $2,130.

📝 Registration

The tournament is listed in the All India Chess Federation event directory. Players should complete entry through the published organizer channels.

In addition, players should retain their payment or registration confirmation and verify that the organizer has added their name to the official participant list.

Meanwhile, international players should check whether the tournament requires a FIDE ID, federation membership, visa documentation or other eligibility evidence.

👤 Organizer

📍 Venue

Sunny’s World – Survey No. 217, Pashan–Sus Road, near Mumbai–Pune Bypass Highway, Pune, Maharashtra 412115, India

Sunny’s World hosts the tournament inside its large resort and event complex. Consequently, the venue can accommodate a substantial rapid field and accompanying family members.

The property provides event halls, accommodation, restaurants and recreation facilities. Players should confirm which services form part of the tournament package.

🏨 Accommodation

Sunny’s World offers on-site rooms and resort facilities. Therefore, participants who prefer to avoid cross-city travel can request accommodation directly from the property.

Alternative hotels are available in Baner, Pashan, Sus and Hinjawadi; however, Pune traffic can significantly affect journey times.

🚆 How to Get There

The venue lies on the western side of Pune near the Mumbai–Pune Bypass. Taxi and app-based transport usually provide the simplest final connection.

Players arriving from the railway station or airport should allow additional time for city traffic.

ℹ️ Other Information

The organizer applies the current FIDE Laws of Chess and the event-specific regulations. Moreover, participants should follow all arbiter instructions, fair-play requirements and venue rules.

In addition, players should recheck the official sources shortly before travel because the organizer may publish operational updates, room assignments or timetable adjustments.

Key Tournament Rules

Official Resources