1st Vinayakrao Nimhan Memorial FIDE Rapid 2026
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
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| 📅 Dates | August 1–2, 2026 |
| 📍 Location | Pune, Maharashtra, India |
| 🏛️ Venue | Sunny’s World |
| ♟️ Format | 9-round Swiss system |
| ⏱️ Time Control | 25 minutes + 10 seconds per move |
| ⭐ Rating | FIDE Rapid rated |
| 👤 Organizer | Someshwar Foundation and Master Chess Academy |
| 🌐 Chess-Results | https://chess-results.com/tnr1406094.aspx?lan=1 |
⏱️ 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.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| System | Swiss system |
| Rounds | 9 |
| Time Control | 25 minutes + 10 seconds per move |
| Rating | FIDE Rapid |
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.
| Registration Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| AICF Event ID | 475827 |
| Event Information | https://punechess.in/ |
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
| Organizer Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organizer | Someshwar Foundation and Master Chess Academy |
| Representative | Rajendra Konde |
| Chief Arbiter | Appointed international-arbiter team |
| Information Email | contact@punechess.in |
| Venue Phone | +91 96675 55555 |
📍 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.
| Travel Option | Practical Information |
|---|---|
| From Pune Airport | Continue by taxi or app-based transport to Pashan–Sus Road. |
| From Pune Railway Station | Use road transport toward Pashan, Baner and Sus. |
| By Car | Use Survey No. 217, Pashan–Sus Road, near the bypass. |
| On-site Stay | Confirm resort rooms directly with Sunny’s World. |
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
| Rule | Information |
|---|---|
| FIDE Event ID | 475827 |
| Rounds | 9 |
| Time Control | 25 minutes + 10 seconds per move |
| Rating | FIDE Rapid |
Official Resources
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| AICF Event Directory | https://aicf.in/all-events/ |
| Tournament Listing | https://chessevents.co.in/maharashtra-chess-tournament/ |
| Sunny’s World Contact Page | https://sunnysworldpune.com/contact-us/ |
Additional Details
Prize Fund (approx.) - $2,130
Organizer
♟️ About the Organizer
Someshwar Foundation and Master Chess Academy are chess event organizers based in Pune, Maharashtra, India. Someshwar Foundation is a community-focused organization associated with Sunny Vinayakrao Nimhan. Its wider activities include education, scholarships, healthcare, entrepreneurship, cultural programs, youth development, and sports. The foundation uses sporting events to encourage participation among children, young people, and the wider Pune community. Master Chess Academy contributes chess-specific experience, including tournament planning, technical management, player coordination, and support for competitive chess activities. The tournament prospectus for their 2026 FIDE-rated event identifies IA Pavan K. Rathi as Director of Master Chess Academy.
🏆 Chess Tournaments and Events
The two organizations collaborate on over-the-board tournaments for players of different ages and rating levels. Their program includes open competitions, age-group tournaments, rapid chess events, and internationally rated competitions. A major upcoming event is the 1st Late MLA Vinayakrao Nimhan Memorial Open FIDE Rapid Rating Chess Tournament, scheduled for August 1–2, 2026, at Sunny’s World in Pune. The nine-round tournament is registered under FIDE Event ID 475827 and is organized by Someshwar Foundation and Master Chess Academy, with Rajendra Konde serving as tournament director. The organizers have also been connected with the Someshwar Chess Tournament and the Late MLA Vinayak Nimhan Memorial rapid chess events held in cooperation with the Pune District Chess Association.
🌱 Community and Chess Development
The partnership combines Someshwar Foundation’s community outreach with Master Chess Academy’s chess expertise. Their tournaments provide opportunities for junior players, experienced competitors, women, veterans, unrated participants, and players from different rating categories. Age-group prizes, medals, certificates, and special-category awards help make the events accessible to a broad range of participants. By organizing both community tournaments and FIDE-rated competitions, the organizations support player development while expanding the visibility of competitive chess in Pune. Their events also create a pathway for young players to gain tournament experience, obtain or improve ratings, and become more involved in organized chess.
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