K Sekhamo and Er Vipulhou Lhoungu make ceremonial move for commencement of 22nd Nagaland State FIDE Rating Chess Championship 2026 in Kohima on July 16. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | July 16
A three day long 22nd Nagaland State FIDE Rating Chess Championship 2026 under the aegis of the Nagaland Chess Association (NCA), commenced today at Nagaland Olympic Association (NOA) office complex, Kohima.
The tournament started with a ceremonial move by duo K. Sekhamo, Rtd. Assistant Development Commissioner (Planning) and Er. Vipulhou Lhoungu, Director, Technical Education, Nagaland.
NCA honorary secretary Vekukho Soho and chief arbiter of the tournament, informed that for the first time, this State Championship is being conducted as a FIDE-rated tournament in compliance with the FIDE Laws of Chess.
NCA joint secretary Mengise Haikam informed that 75 participants have joined this championship, which will continue till July 18.
The Championship feature competitions in seven categories—Open, Under-15, Under-11, Unrated, Female, Senior (60 years and above) and Under-7.
In the Open category, the champion will receive Rs 50,000 along with a trophy and certificate, while the runner-up and third-place finishers will receive Rs 30,000 and Rs 20,000 respectively.
Cash prizes will also be awarded up to 10th place.
In the remaining categories, prizes of Rs 8,000, Rs 6,000 and Rs 4,000 will be awarded to the top three finishers, along with consolation prizes for fourth and fifth places.
