2nd Rungta Cement International Open FIDE Rating Chess Tournament 2026
2nd Rungta Cement International Open FIDE Rating Chess Tournament 2026 will take place from September 30 to October 4, 2026, in Chaibasa, Jharkhand, India. This classical chess tournament gives players a full five-day FIDE-rated event in West Singhbhum.
The tournament uses a 9-round Swiss system with a classical time control of 90 minutes plus 30 seconds increment from move one. It is registered with AICF under event code 477896/JH/2026 and with FIDE under event code 477896.
The event offers a total prize fund of ₹6,00,000 / approx. $6,300, plus trophies. Therefore, it is a strong option for Indian and international players looking for a serious FIDE-rated classical chess tournament in Jharkhand.
🗓️ Event Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| 📅 Dates | September 30 – October 4, 2026 |
| 📍 Location | Chaibasa, Jharkhand, India |
| 🏛️ Venue | Khirwal Banquet Hall |
| ♟️ Format | 9-round Swiss system |
| ⭐ Rating | FIDE-rated |
| 🏁 Sections | One open tournament |
| ⏱️ Time Control | 90 minutes + 30 seconds increment from move one |
| 🔢 Rounds | 9 |
| 👥 Players | 150 players |
| 💰 Prize Fund | ₹6,00,000 / approx. $6,300 + trophies |
| 👤 Organizer | West Singhbhum District Chess Association |
| 🧑⚖️ Chief Arbiter | IA Vishal Kumar Minz |
| 🧾 AICF Event Code | 477896/JH/2026 |
| 🧾 FIDE Event Code | 477896 |
⏱️ Time Control & Pairings
The tournament uses a 9-round Swiss system. Each player receives 90 minutes for the game, with a 30-second increment from move one.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| System | Swiss system |
| Rounds | 9 |
| Time Control | 90 minutes + 30 seconds increment from move one |
| Rating Calculation | FIDE rating |
| Chief Arbiter | IA Vishal Kumar Minz |
| Tie-breaks | AICF tie-break rules |
The tournament will be played under the latest FIDE Laws of Chess. In addition, AICF tie-break rules will apply for ranking and prize purposes.
Players should arrive on time for each round and follow the arbiter’s instructions throughout the event.
🏆 Prize Fund
The total prize fund is ₹6,00,000 / approx. $6,300 + trophies.
| Prize Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Total Prize Fund | ₹6,00,000 / approx. $6,300 |
| Additional Awards | Trophies |
| Prize Rule | Cash prizes will not be shared |
| Prize Limit | One player receives one cash prize only |
Cash prizes will not be shared. If a player qualifies for more than one prize, the player receives only the higher-value cash prize.
Players should attend the prize distribution ceremony, as early prize collection requests may not be accepted.
📂 Sections / Groups
The tournament is played as one open classical section.
| Section | Information |
|---|---|
| Main Tournament | One open FIDE-rated section |
| Format | 9-round Swiss system |
| Rating | FIDE standard rating |
| Player Limit | 150 players |
The open format makes the event suitable for titled players, experienced club players, improving players, juniors, and local players from Jharkhand and nearby states.
All participants must complete the required AICF registration for the 2026–2027 season before playing.
📅 Schedule
| Date | Time | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| September 30, 2026 | 8:00 AM | Arrival |
| September 30, 2026 | 11:00 AM | Inauguration |
| September 30, 2026 | 11:30 AM | Round 1 |
| September 30, 2026 | 4:30 PM | Round 2 |
| October 1, 2026 | 10:00 AM | Round 3 |
| October 1, 2026 | 3:30 PM | Round 4 |
| October 2, 2026 | 10:00 AM | Round 5 |
| October 2, 2026 | 3:30 PM | Round 6 |
| October 3, 2026 | 10:00 AM | Round 7 |
| October 3, 2026 | 3:30 PM | Round 8 |
| October 4, 2026 | 9:00 AM | Round 9 |
| October 4, 2026 | 4:00 PM | Prize Distribution |
The tournament starts on September 30, 2026, with arrival and inauguration in the morning. The first two rounds will be played on the opening day.
Players will then play two rounds per day on October 1, October 2, and October 3. The final round and prize distribution will take place on October 4, 2026.
📝 Registration
Players should complete registration through the organizer’s official process and ensure that their AICF registration for 2026–2027 is valid.
| Registration Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| AICF Registration | Required for all participants |
| AICF Season | 2026–2027 |
| Contact for Registration / Emergency | Basant Khandelwal |
| Phone | +91 70043 95439 |
Players should contact the organizer early, especially if they need confirmation of entry, travel guidance, or accommodation information.
👥 Organizer
| Organizer Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organizer | West Singhbhum District Chess Association |
| State Association | All Jharkhand Chess Association |
| National Federation | All India Chess Federation |
| Organising Secretary | Basant Khandelwal |
| Chief Arbiter | IA Vishal Kumar Minz |
| Accommodation Contact | Purushottam Saraff |
West Singhbhum District Chess Association organizes the 2nd Rungta Cement International Open FIDE Rating Chess Tournament 2026 under the aegis of the All Jharkhand Chess Association and the All India Chess Federation.
The tournament continues the Rungta Cement chess event series in Chaibasa and gives players a structured FIDE-rated classical event in Jharkhand. In addition, the five-day format allows players to compete in a full 9-round tournament with a substantial prize fund.
Contact Persons
| Contact Person | Role | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Basant Khandelwal | Organising Secretary / Emergency Contact | +91 70043 95439 |
| IA Vishal Kumar Minz | Chief Arbiter | +91 90319 24408 |
| Purushottam Saraff | Tournament Convenor / Accommodation In-Charge | +91 79037 33299 |
📍 Venue
Khirwal Banquet Hall – Sadar Bazar, Chaibasa, Jharkhand, India.
The tournament takes place at Khirwal Banquet Hall in Sadar Bazar, Chaibasa.
Players should use the full venue address when planning their route to the playing hall.
🏨 Accommodation
Players who need accommodation should contact the tournament accommodation in-charge before traveling.
| Accommodation Contact | Phone |
|---|---|
| Purushottam Saraff | +91 79037 33299 |
Chaibasa offers local hotels, lodges, and basic accommodation options. Players may also consider nearby transport connections when choosing where to stay during the tournament.
Early coordination with the organizer is recommended because the event runs for five days and may attract players from several states.
🚆 How to Get There
| Travel Option | Information |
|---|---|
| Nearest Railway Station | Chakradharpur Railway Station |
| Distance from Chakradharpur | Around 25 km |
| Another Railway Option | Tatanagar Railway Station |
| Distance from Tatanagar | Around 60 km |
| Nearest Major Airport | Ranchi Airport |
| Distance from Ranchi | Around 140 km |
| By Car | Use Khirwal Banquet Hall, Sadar Bazar, Chaibasa |
Chaibasa is connected by road to nearby railway stations and major cities in Jharkhand.
Players arriving by train can use Chakradharpur Railway Station or Tatanagar Railway Station and continue to Chaibasa by road.
Players arriving by air can travel through Ranchi Airport and then continue to Chaibasa by bus, taxi, or private transfer.
Players arriving by car should use the full venue address:
Khirwal Banquet Hall – Sadar Bazar, Chaibasa, Jharkhand, India.
ℹ️ Other Information
| Item | Information |
|---|---|
| Tournament Type | International Open FIDE Rating Chess Tournament |
| AICF Event Code | 477896/JH/2026 |
| FIDE Event Code | 477896 |
| Rules | Latest FIDE Laws of Chess apply |
| Tie-breaks | AICF tie-break rules apply |
| Protest Fee | ₹1,000 |
| Prize Ceremony | Players should attend the prize distribution ceremony |
| Participation Certificate | Certificates for participants |
Any protest must be submitted within 30 minutes after completion of the game, along with a protest fee of ₹1,000. The fee is refundable if the protest is upheld.
The decision of the Appeals Committee will be final and binding. In addition, the organizers reserve the right to reject entries.
Join the 2nd Rungta Cement International Open FIDE Rating Chess Tournament 2026 in Chaibasa and play a five-day classical chess event with FIDE rating and a prize fund of ₹6,00,000 / approx. $6,300.
Additional Details
Prize Fund (approx.) - $6,300
Organizer
♟️ About the Organizer
West Singhbhum District Chess Association is a district chess organization based in Chaibasa, Jharkhand, India. The association promotes over-the-board chess across West Singhbhum district through tournaments, training activity, player development, and official chess events under the wider Jharkhand and Indian chess structure.
The association has become one of the most active chess organizers in Jharkhand. Its work connects local players, school students, young talents, club players, arbiters, sponsors, and visiting competitors from across India. Therefore, West Singhbhum District Chess Association gives players in Chaibasa and the surrounding district a practical route into rated tournament chess.
The organizer’s activity is strongly connected with Chaibasa. Many of its events have taken place at venues such as St. Xavier’s Welfare Center, Sitaram Rungta Recreation Hall, Town Club, and Khirwal Banquet Hall. This local base helps the association build a regular chess culture in the district while also attracting players from outside Jharkhand.
🏆 Chess Events and Activities
West Singhbhum District Chess Association organizes and supports a wide range of chess events. Its tournament activity includes FIDE-rated classical events, rapid rating championships, district championships, school events, coaching camps, and open tournaments. This gives players several ways to compete, from local development events to national-level rated tournaments.
The association is connected with events such as the Chess for Everyone FIDE Rating Chess Championship, the Navin Kumar Sinha Memorial International FIDE Rapid Rating Chess Championship, and the Rungta Cement All India Rating Open. These tournaments have brought large player fields to Chaibasa and helped strengthen the city’s presence on the Indian chess map.
The organizer also supports chess training and youth development. Coaching programs, summer camps, school tournaments, and district-level championships help young players gain experience before state and national events. Moreover, regular support from local chess officials and community partners gives the association a strong foundation for long-term chess growth in West Singhbhum.
🌍 Player Experience and Community
Players who join West Singhbhum District Chess Association events can expect a serious but community-based chess environment. The association’s events often combine rated competition with local hospitality, clear tournament administration, and support from experienced arbiters and organizers.
The tournament structure works well for many player groups. Young players can begin through school events and coaching activity. Improving players can enter district and rapid tournaments. Stronger players can take part in FIDE-rated open events with national participation. As a result, the association creates a useful pathway from beginner chess to competitive tournament play.
For players searching for chess tournaments in Jharkhand, FIDE-rated chess in Chaibasa, or official district chess activity in West Singhbhum, West Singhbhum District Chess Association offers a strong regional option. Its mix of rating tournaments, youth chess, district championships, coaching programs, and active event organization gives it a clear role in the Indian chess community.
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