Mangaluru to host National Under-11 Chess Championship with 641 young players
Mangaluru is set to host the 39th National Under-11 Open and Girls FIDE-rated Chess Championship 2026, which will bring together 641 young chess players from across India. The week-long tournament will begin on Sunday at the Urwa Indoor Stadium and conclude on August 8.
The championship is organised by the Dakshina Kannada Chess Association (DKCA) under the aegis of the All-India Chess Federation (AICF) and the Karnataka State Chess Association (KSCA). According to Amarshree Amarnath Shetty, president of the DKCA, the event aims to provide a national platform for emerging chess talents while promoting the game among children and strengthening Karnataka's reputation as a leading destination for national sporting events.
The DKCA has made comprehensive arrangements for the smooth conduct of the championship, including world-class playing conditions, accommodation, medical facilities and live telecast of games, Dr. Shetty said in a release.
The tournament is supported by the New Mangalore Port Authority, the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, and the Sports Authority of India. Several distinguished dignitaries from the government, sports organisations, sponsoring institutions and the chess fraternity will grace the inaugural function and formally declare the championship open.
Dr. Shetty explained that there are two categories of entry. The ordinary entry is open only to players nominated by their respective State and Union Territory chess associations, which must be affiliated to the All-India Chess Federation. Each State and Union Territory can send a maximum of four players — two boys and two girls — and these players must be the respective State champions. Special entries, on the other hand, are open to all.
For the ordinary entry category, the organiser will pay a lump sum of ₹1,500 towards boarding expenses for seeded and selected players, but only to affiliated State and Union Territory associations. Dr. Shetty also said that no participant should leave the venue before the prize distribution function without the permission of the chief arbiter. Participants disregarding this rule will be suspended for one year.
The championship is expected to provide a significant boost to the sport at the grassroots level, offering young players a chance to compete in a FIDE-rated event and gain valuable experience. It also underscores the growing popularity of chess in India, particularly among children.
The event will be inaugurated at 11.15 a.m. on Sunday, with formal proceedings marking the start of the tournament. The organisers have urged all participants and their families to adhere to the rules and ensure a fair and disciplined competition.
