First International Open FIDE Rapid Rating Chess Tournament 2025
Chess excellence meets international spirit at the First International Open FIDE Rapid Rating Chess Tournament 2025, to be held on Sunday, 14 December 2025, at Parul University, Vadodara, Gujarat.
Organised by the Nihar Seva Foundation, this rapid event is conducted under the aegis of FIDE, AICF, and GSCA, bringing together top players and enthusiasts from across India and beyond for a single day of thrilling, high-speed chess action.
🗓️ Event Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| 🗓️ Date | Sunday, 14 December 2025 |
| 📍 Location | Parul University, Vadodara, Gujarat, India |
| ♟️ Format | 9 Rounds, Swiss System |
| 💵 Entry Fee | ₹750 per player |
| ⭐ Rating | FIDE Rapid Rated • AICF Code: 446087 / GJ (R) / 2025 |
| ✅ Eligibility | Open to all registered AICF / FIDE players |
| 🎯 Prize Fund | ₹1,50,000 total (150+ total prizes: 51 cash, 40 trophies, 50+ medals) |
| 🔧 Additional | Free entry for GM / IM / WGM / WIM / players rated 2300+ • Entry closes 11 December 2025 |
🏆 Prize Fund
Main Prizes
| Rank | Prize (₹) |
|---|---|
| 1st | 30,000 |
| 2nd | 15,000 |
| 3rd | 10,000 |
| 4th | 7,500 |
| 5th | 5,500 |
| 6th | 4,000 |
| 7th | 3,000 |
| 8th | 2,000 |
| 9th | 2,000 |
| 10th | 1,500 |
| 11–15th | 1,000 each |
Rating Category Prizes
| Category | 1st | 2nd | 3rd |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1800–1651 | 3,000 | 2,000 | 1,000 |
| 1650–1501 | 3,000 | 2,000 | 1,000 |
| 1500–1400 | 3,000 | 2,000 | 1,000 |
| Unrated | 3,000 | 2,000 | 1,000 |
Age & Special Prizes
| Category | 1st | 2nd | 3rd |
|---|---|---|---|
| U16 (Mix) | 2,500 | 1,500 | 1,000 |
| U14 (Mix) | 2,500 | 1,500 | 1,000 |
| U12 (Mix) | 2,500 | 1,500 | 1,000 |
| U10 (Mix) | 2,500 | 1,500 | 1,000 |
| Veteran (S-55) | 2,500 | 1,500 | 1,000 |
| Best Vadodara Player | 2,500 | 1,500 | 1,000 |
| Best Parul University Player | 2,500 | 1,500 | 1,000 |
| Best Academy | 2,500 | 1,500 | 1,000 |
🏅 All U10 players receive consolation medals
⏱️ Time Control & Pairings
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10 minutes + 5 seconds increment from move 1
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9 rounds under Swiss League System
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Latest FIDE Rapid Rules apply
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No electronic devices or watches allowed in the playing hall
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Prizes not shared; each player eligible for only one higher prize
Tie-breaks
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Buchholz Cut 1
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Buchholz
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Sonneborn-Berger
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Direct Encounter
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Number of Wins
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Wins with Black Pieces
Appeals & Withdrawals
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Protest fee ₹2,000 (refundable if upheld)
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Withdrawals must be informed in writing to the Chief Arbiter
📅 Schedule
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 8:30 AM – 9:15 AM | Reporting & Check-in |
| 9:30 AM | Round 1 begins |
| Throughout the day | 9 Rounds (Rapid Format) |
| Evening | Prize Distribution |
📝 Registration
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Online form: https://forms.gle/UpnxPfr9RwvHoa2EA
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AICF Registration (mandatory): https://prs.aicf.in/new-register
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Entry closes on 11 December 2025
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Payment details:
Account Name: Nihar Seva Foundation
Account No.: 7359551717
Bank: Kotak Bank, Rajhans House, Varaccha Road, Surat
IFSC: KKBK0000885
Account Type: Current Account
👥 Organizer & Contacts
Organised by Nihar Seva Foundation under the aegis of FIDE, AICF, and GSCA
Key Officials
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Chief Arbiter: IA Pavan K. Rathi 📞 9960379912
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Deputy Arbiters: IA Aagam Aditya, FA Nikunj Desai
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Tournament Director: Mr. Shailesh Rawal 📞 9825552817
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Advisor: Mr. Bhavesh Patel 📞 9426064702 (Ex-Vice President, AICF)
Entry Coordinators (Coaches & Representatives)
Maulik Raval – 7797577779 • Joy Chauhan – 9099050345 • Mayur Patel – 9898220553
Suresh Chavda – 9904577007 • Karan Trivedi – 8320601520 • Vikram Mishra – 9904901848
IA Prashant Raval – 9033206772 • Sam Seth – 9638127909 • Jeet Trivedi – 9426454588
…and many more across Gujarat (see full circular for regional contacts).
🏨 Venue
Parul University, Vadodara, Gujarat, India
🚗 How to Get There
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By Air: Vadodara International Airport (9 km from venue)
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By Train: Vadodara Junction (12 km away)
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By Road: Regular bus and taxi services from major Gujarat cities
Join hundreds of players from across India at the First International Open FIDE Rapid Rating Chess Tournament 2025 — a day of speed, skill, and sportsmanship at Parul University, Vadodara!
Organizer
Nihar Seva Foundation is a non-profit organization based in Surat, Gujarat, India. Its mission is to serve underserved communities through practical support, education and social initiatives. The team focuses on spreading hope, healing and help to people who need it most. Because of this broad mission, the foundation works across several areas, including health, education, youth development and sport.
Chess is one of the key tools the foundation uses to empower young people. Through rated and unrated tournaments, it gives children and adults a structured activity that builds focus, discipline and confidence. The Nihar Seva Foundation First International Open FIDE Rapid Rating Chess Tournament 2025 in Vadodara is a flagship example. It brings together players from many parts of India, offers a strong prize fund and follows official FIDE and AICF regulations. As a result, participants enjoy both a professional event and an inclusive, community-driven atmosphere.
Behind the scenes, Nihar Seva Foundation is powered by donors, volunteers and local partners. The foundation works closely with schools, coaches and chess associations in Gujarat to keep events accessible and well organized. In addition, its clear communication and simple online tools make it easy for families to register, donate and stay informed. Overall, the organization aims to “rise by lifting others,” using chess and other projects as a bridge to opportunity.
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Address: Surat, Gujarat – 395003, India
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Phone: +91 7359551717
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Website: https://niharsevafoundation.com
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/61570341120558/
