Vadodara Set for Grand Debut of Jyoti CNC International FIDE Chess Tournament

VADODARA : Vadodara is gearing up to become the centre of Gujarat’s chess landscape as the city prepares to host the inaugural Jyoti CNC International Classical 1800 FIDE Rating Chess Tournament-2026, a prestigious event expected to attract talented players from across the country.

Organised jointly by the All India Chess Federation, the Gujarat State Chess Association and Jyoti Foundation-Rajkot, the three-day tournament will be held from July 10 to 12 at the Sama Indoor Sports Complex in Vadodara. The entire competition will take place in a fully air-conditioned venue to ensure a comfortable experience for participants and accompanying family members.

The tournament will feature nine rounds in the classical format, with each player receiving 30 minutes and a 30-second increment per move. Importantly, the event will be FIDE-rated, providing players with an opportunity to improve their international rankings.

“With a professional playing environment and significant prize money, the tournament aims to promote competitive chess and encourage emerging talent,” organisers said.

A total prize pool of ₹3 lakh has been announced. The winner of the open category will receive ₹32,000, while cash rewards have also been earmarked for top finishers and special categories, including different rating brackets, best unrated player, best Vadodara player, veteran players and junior age groups.

The event has received strong backing from chess enthusiasts and industry leaders, including Parakramsinh Jadeja, a noted chess enthusiast and the tournament’s principal donor.

Officials including Dev Patel and other chess administrators have appealed to players across Gujarat and India to participate in large numbers.