3rd Narendraji Firodia Chashak 2026
3rd Narendraji Firodia Chashak 2026 – All India Below 1700 Classical FIDE Rating Chess Tournament, Ahilyanagar
Chess players across India have a major event to look forward to this summer. The 3rd Narendraji Firodia Chashak – All India Below 1700 Classical FIDE Rating Chess Tournament 2026 takes place in the historic city of Ahilyanagar (formerly Ahmednagar), Maharashtra, from Friday, 17 July to Sunday, 19 July 2026. Organised by the Ahilyanagar District Chess Circle (ADCC), this recognised event of the AICF and MCA carries a total prize fund of ₹5,00,000 and is open to rated players below 1700.
With Event Code 463628 (MAH/2026), the tournament offers serious competition, group-wise rewards, and the warm hospitality of one of Maharashtra’s most culturally significant cities — all carried by the organisers’ motto, “We Make A Different Move.”
Tournament At A Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Event Name | 3rd Narendraji Firodia Chashak – All India Below 1700 Classical FIDE Rating Chess Tournament 2026 |
| Category | All India Below 1700 (FIDE rated) |
| Event Code | 463628 (MAH/2026) |
| Dates | Friday 17 July to Sunday 19 July 2026 |
| Host City | Ahilyanagar (Ahmednagar), Maharashtra |
| Organised By | Ahilyanagar District Chess Circle (ADCC) |
| Recognised By | F.I.D.E. · A.I.C.F. · M.C.A. |
| Total Prize Fund | ₹5,00,000 |
| First Prize | ₹1,00,000 |
| Format | 9 Rounds, Swiss League |
| Time Control | 30 minutes + 30 seconds increment per move |
| Venue | Laxmi Narayan Mangal Karyalay, Tilak Road, Ahilyanagar – 414 001 |
| Special Attraction | 100 Wooden Chess Sets for the first 100 tables |
Event Information & Significance
Now in its third edition, the Narendraji Firodia Chashak has grown into one of Maharashtra’s most anticipated rating-restricted tournaments. The 2026 event is supported by the Shantikumarji Firodia Memorial Foundation and the Sports Authority of India (SAI), alongside the principal governing bodies of Indian chess.
The “Below 1700” format makes it especially valuable for improving players, club-level competitors, juniors, and unrated enthusiasts who want competitive classical games without facing titled grandmasters. As a recognised AICF and MCA event, every game counts toward official FIDE ratings — so strong performances here directly build your rating profile.
The host city of Ahilyanagar, renamed from Ahmednagar in honour of queen Ahilyabai Holkar, offers rich cultural heritage to enjoy alongside three days of intense chess.
Complete Prize List (Top 10 Open Prizes)
A first prize of ₹1,00,000 makes this exceptionally lucrative for a below-1700 event.
| Position | Prize Money |
|---|---|
| 1st Prize | ₹1,00,000 |
| 2nd Prize | ₹60,000 |
| 3rd Prize | ₹40,000 |
| 4th Prize | ₹20,000 |
| 5th Prize | ₹10,500 |
| 6th Prize | ₹8,000 |
| 7th Prize | ₹5,000 |
| 8th Prize | ₹4,000 |
| 9th Prize | ₹3,000 |
| 10th Prize | ₹2,500 |
Category-Wise Prize List
The organisers have created 12 dedicated groups so players of different rating bands, age groups, and backgrounds all have a fair shot at winning. Each group rewards its top five finishers, plus five attractive trophies in every group.
| Sr. | Group / Category | First | Second | Third | Fourth | Fifth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Below 1600 Rated Players | ₹18,500 | ₹12,000 | ₹7,000 | ₹4,000 | ₹2,500 |
| 2 | Below 1500 Rated Players | ₹15,000 | ₹10,000 | ₹6,000 | ₹3,500 | ₹2,500 |
| 3 | Above 55 Age | ₹5,000 | ₹4,000 | ₹3,500 | ₹3,000 | ₹2,500 |
| 4 | Under 15 Age | ₹5,000 | ₹4,000 | ₹3,500 | ₹3,000 | ₹2,500 |
| 5 | Under 13 Age | ₹4,000 | ₹3,000 | ₹2,500 | ₹2,500 | ₹2,500 |
| 6 | Under 11 Age | ₹4,000 | ₹3,000 | ₹2,500 | ₹2,500 | ₹2,500 |
| 7 | Under 09 Age | ₹4,000 | ₹3,000 | ₹2,500 | ₹2,500 | ₹2,500 |
| 8 | Under 07 Age | ₹4,000 | ₹3,000 | ₹2,500 | ₹2,500 | ₹2,500 |
| 9 | Best Nagar District | ₹5,000 | ₹4,000 | ₹3,500 | ₹3,000 | ₹2,500 |
| 10 | Best Nagar Taluka | ₹5,000 | ₹4,000 | ₹3,500 | ₹3,000 | ₹2,500 |
| 11 | Best Ladies Players | ₹5,000 | ₹4,000 | ₹3,500 | ₹3,000 | ₹2,500 |
| 12 | Best Unrated Players | ₹5,000 | ₹4,000 | ₹3,500 | ₹3,000 | ₹2,500 |
Plus: Five attractive trophies in each of the 12 groups, and 100 wooden chess sets awarded for the first 100 tables.
Entry Fees & Registration
The entry fee is non-refundable and structured into two deadline-based slabs. The optional food package (F.P.) is added on top of the deposit.
| Registration Slab | Deposit | Food Package | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early (up to 10 July 2026) | ₹2,500 | ₹1,100 | ₹3,600 |
| Standard (up to 16 July 2026) | ₹3,000 | ₹1,100 | ₹4,100 |
Food Package (₹1,100) includes: 5 Limited Meals + 3 Breakfasts + 6 Teas.
How to Register
- Fill the official entry form: https://forms.gle/cUJ3CfQ7dsgjBpGWA
- Complete payment as per your registration slab.
- Send the payment screenshot to Mr. Subodh Thombare – 9579067967.
- Complete your AICF and MCA registration (both compulsory; MCA mandatory for Maharashtra players).
Important: The form closes on 11 July 2026. There is no spot entry — register before the deadline.
Tournament Rules & Important Notes
- Recognised event of A.I.C.F. & M.C.A.
- Below 1700 FIDE rating chess tournament.
- Total 9 rounds at 30 minutes + 30 seconds increment per move.
- Players who finished First or Second in any rating-restricted tournament are not eligible for one year from that achievement.
- A Common Hall Dormitory & Food Package is available at the venue — contact the organiser.
- Accommodation available 17–19 July 2026; check-out at 3:00 PM.
- Players must attend the Opening Function at 10:00 AM and Prize Distribution at 4:00 PM.
- Further details will be posted in the tournament hall. Arrival on 17 July 2026 at 9:00 AM.
- AICF and MCA registration compulsory; no spot entry.
Schedule Overview
| Day / Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 17 July 2026, 9:00 AM | Arrival & Reporting |
| 17 July 2026, 10:00 AM | Opening Function (compulsory) |
| 17–19 July 2026 | 9 Rounds (30 min + 30 sec increment) |
| 19 July 2026, 3:00 PM | Accommodation check-out |
| 19 July 2026, 4:00 PM | Prize Distribution Ceremony |
Venue Details
Laxmi Narayan Mangal Karyalay
Tilak Road, Ahilyanagar – 414 001, Maharashtra, India.
Centrally located on Tilak Road, the venue is easily accessible by road and offers an on-site common hall dormitory and food package for outstation players.
Accommodation & Nearby Lodges
| Lodge / Hotel | Contact |
|---|---|
| Iris Premier | 02412327000 |
| Hotel Sanket | 02412470701 |
| Hotel Parijat | 02412345151 |
| Hotel Paradise | 9049344444 |
| Hotel Raj Palace | 8888462222 |
On-site dormitory accommodation is available 17–19 July 2026 (check-out by 3:00 PM). Contact the organisers for bookings.
Bank Details (For Payment)
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Bank Name | Bank of Maharashtra, A’Nagar |
| Account Name | Ahmednagar District Chess Circle |
| Account No. | 00000060043617391 |
| IFSC Code | MAHB0000024 |
| MIRC | 414014001 |
An All-in-1 QR code is available on the official poster for quick payments. Always send your payment screenshot to Mr. Subodh Thombare (9579067967) to confirm entry.
Contact Details
| Name | Phone | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Mr. Yashwant Bapat | 9326092501 | General queries |
| Mr. Subodh Thombare | 9579067967 | Payment screenshots |
| Mr. Parunath Dhokale | 9850704268 | General queries |
| Mr. Prashant Dhangekar | 9921377988 | Entries |
Organised by: Ahilyanagar District Chess Circle (ADCC) · Recognised by: F.I.D.E. · A.I.C.F. · M.C.A. · Supported by: Shantikumarji Firodia Memorial Foundation · Sports Authority of India (SAI)
Why You Should Participate
- Big prize fund for a below-1700 event — ₹5,00,000 total with a ₹1,00,000 top prize.
- Twelve prize categories — juniors, veterans, ladies, unrated, and local Nagar players all have a category.
- Official FIDE rating games — every game helps you climb the rankings.
- Classical time control (30+30) — time to think and play your best.
- Convenient stay and food — on-site dormitory and an affordable ₹1,100 package.
- 100 wooden chess sets for the first 100 tables, plus five trophies per group.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the tournament held?
17–19 July 2026 at Laxmi Narayan Mangal Karyalay, Tilak Road, Ahilyanagar – 414 001, Maharashtra.
Who can participate?
Rated players with a FIDE rating below 1700, plus dedicated groups for age categories and unrated players.
What is the total prize fund?
₹5,00,000, with a first prize of ₹1,00,000.
What is the entry fee?
₹2,500 (up to 10 July) or ₹3,000 (up to 16 July), plus an optional ₹1,100 food package. Non-refundable.
How do I register?
Fill the form at https://forms.gle/cUJ3CfQ7dsgjBpGWA, complete payment, and send the screenshot to Mr. Subodh Thombare (9579067967). AICF and MCA registration compulsory. No spot entry.
What is the time control and number of rounds?
9 rounds at 30 minutes + 30 seconds increment per move.
The last date to register was 15 Jul 2026.
Laxmi Narayan Mangal Karyalay, Tilak Road, Ahilyanagar – 414 001