Kohima, Oct 19: Forty-five chess players have gathered in Kohima for a two-day pre-season tournament aimed at sharpening their competitive skills ahead of the 24th North East FIDE Rating Chess Championship, scheduled to be held in Dimapur from December 15 to 19.
Organised by the Nagaland Chess Association (NCA), the Nagaland Open Pre-Season Chess Tournament 2026 was inaugurated at the Nagaland Olympic Association Hall on Monday and will conclude on October 20.
The tournament offers players an opportunity to assess their form, gain competitive experience and identify areas for improvement before taking on opponents from across the Northeast at the regional championship.
The inaugural programme was conducted by Mengise Haikam, joint secretary of the NCA, while Kiyaselie Mere, vice-president of the association, delivered the welcome address.
Addressing the participants, Mere said the tournament was more than a competition, describing it as an important opportunity for players to prepare for the forthcoming regional championship.
He encouraged participants to evaluate their strengths and weaknesses, compete with focus and integrity, and treat every game as a learning experience. He expressed confidence that the tournament would help Nagaland’s players improve their performance and bring laurels to the state.
Vekuho Soho, honorary secretary of the NCA, briefed participants on the tournament rules. Dr. Theyiesinuo Keditsu, assistant professor at Arts College, Kohima, made the ceremonial first move to formally inaugurate the competition.
The tournament is being conducted under the FIDE Laws of Chess and follows the Swiss system, allowing players to compete over multiple rounds. The organisers have also clarified that participants can receive only one prize across the different categories, with awards determined by their scores and the applicable prize criteria.
The pre-season tournament is part of the NCA’s efforts to strengthen competitive chess in Nagaland and prepare local players for the regional championship in Dimapur.
The association expressed hope that the competition would raise the standard of chess in the state, provide players with valuable match experience and help them approach the December championship with greater confidence.
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