39th National Under-11 Open & Girls Chess Championships 2026
India’s Premier National Under-11 Chess Championship Comes to Mangaluru
The prestigious 39th National Under-11 Open & Girls Chess Championships 2026 will be held from 2nd August to 8th August 2026 at the Indoor Stadium Urwa, Mangaluru, Karnataka. The event is organized by the Dakshina Kannada Chess Association on behalf of the Karnataka State Chess Association under the aegis of the All India Chess Federation.
Supported by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of India, this national-level championship will bring together India’s top young chess talents competing for glory, titles, and a massive ₹8,00,000 prize fund.
Tournament Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Tournament Name | 39th National Under-11 Open & Girls Chess Championships 2026 |
| AICF Event Code – Open | 473715/KA/2026 |
| AICF Event Code – Girls | 473716/KA/2026 |
| KSCA Event Code – Open | KSCA/NA01/2627 |
| KSCA Event Code – Girls | KSCA/NA02/2627 |
| Tournament Dates | 2nd August to 8th August 2026 |
| Organizer | Dakshina Kannada Chess Association (DKCA) |
| Federation | Karnataka State Chess Association |
| Governing Body | All India Chess Federation |
| Venue | Indoor Stadium Urwa, Mangaluru |
| Tournament Format | Swiss System |
| Time Control | 90 Minutes + 30 Seconds Increment |
| Categories | Under-11 Open & Under-11 Girls |
| Total Prize Fund | ₹8,00,000 |
| Eligibility | Players born on or after 01 January 2015 |
Venue Details
Indoor Stadium Urwa – Mangaluru
The championship will be hosted at the famous Indoor Stadium Urwa located in Mangaluru, a city known for its beautiful beaches, temples, and vibrant culture.
| Venue Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Venue Name | Indoor Stadium Urwa |
| City | Mangaluru |
| State | Karnataka |
| Venue Type | Indoor Sports Arena |
| Nearest Railway Station | Mangaluru Central |
| Nearest Airport | Mangalore International Airport |
| Nearby Attractions | Pilikula Biological Park, Tannirbhavi Beach, Gokarnanatha Temple |
Complete Tournament Schedule
| Event | Date | Day | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arrival | 01-Aug-2026 | Saturday | 12:00 PM |
| Inauguration Ceremony | 02-Aug-2026 | Sunday | 01:00 PM |
| Technical Meeting | 02-Aug-2026 | Sunday | 02:30 PM |
| Round 1 | 02-Aug-2026 | Sunday | 03:00 PM |
| Round 2 | 03-Aug-2026 | Monday | 10:00 AM |
| Round 3 | 03-Aug-2026 | Monday | 03:30 PM |
| Round 4 | 04-Aug-2026 | Tuesday | 10:30 AM |
| Round 5 | 04-Aug-2026 | Tuesday | 03:30 PM |
| Round 6 | 05-Aug-2026 | Wednesday | 10:00 AM |
| Round 7 | 05-Aug-2026 | Wednesday | 03:30 PM |
| Round 8 | 06-Aug-2026 | Thursday | 10:00 AM |
| Round 9 | 06-Aug-2026 | Thursday | 03:30 PM |
| Round 10 | 07-Aug-2026 | Friday | 10:00 AM |
| Round 11 | 08-Aug-2026 | Saturday | 10:00 AM |
| Prize Distribution | 08-Aug-2026 | Saturday | 03:00 PM |
| Departure | 08-Aug-2026 | Saturday | 06:00 PM |
Prize Fund Details – ₹8,00,000 Total
The championship offers one of the biggest prize funds in India’s junior chess circuit with separate cash awards for Open and Girls categories.
Open Category Prize Details
| Rank | Prize Amount |
|---|---|
| 1st Prize | ₹70,000 |
| 2nd Prize | ₹60,000 |
| 3rd Prize | ₹50,000 |
| 4th Prize | ₹40,000 |
| 5th Prize | ₹25,000 |
| 6th Prize | ₹15,000 |
| 7th to 20th | ₹10,000 each |
Girls Category Prize Details
| Rank | Prize Amount |
|---|---|
| 1st Prize | ₹70,000 |
| 2nd Prize | ₹60,000 |
| 3rd Prize | ₹50,000 |
| 4th Prize | ₹40,000 |
| 5th Prize | ₹25,000 |
| 6th Prize | ₹15,000 |
| 7th to 20th | ₹10,000 each |
Special Prize Information
| Prize Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Prize Winners | 20 Players in Each Category |
| Open Category Prize Pool | ₹4,00,000 |
| Girls Category Prize Pool | ₹4,00,000 |
| Additional Awards | All Players Will Receive Special Prizes |
Eligibility Criteria
Players must satisfy the following conditions:
- Players must be born on or after 01 January 2015
- Only Indian nationals are eligible
- Entries must come through State Chess Associations
- Top players from previous National, Asian, and World Championships are eligible as seeded entries
- Karnataka State Chess Association can nominate additional host entries
- AICF discretionary entries are allowed
Important Age Proof Rules
Every participant must produce valid age proof documents.
Accepted documents include:
- Birth Certificate issued by Panchayat
- Municipality Birth Certificate
- Corporation Birth Certificate
Important Notes
- School certificates will NOT be accepted
- Certificates should preferably be obtained soon after birth
- Certificates registered within one year of birth alone are accepted
- Players without valid proof will not be allowed to participate
Entry Fee Structure
| Entry Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ordinary Entry Fee | ₹1,250 |
| Special Entry Fee | ₹6,250 |
| Late Fee (After 18 July 2026) | ₹250 Extra |
| Last Date for Entries | 25 July 2026 |
Special Concession
Participants from:
- North Eastern States
- Andaman & Nicobar Islands
will receive a 50% concession on entry fees.
Registration Process
All entries must be submitted online through the official AICF portal.
Official Entry Links
Entry Portal:
AICF Entry System
AICF Registration:
AICF Players Registration
For clarification regarding entries:
Email:
Time Control & Playing Format
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Playing System | Swiss System |
| Total Rounds | 11 Rounds |
| Time Control | 90 Minutes + 30 Seconds Increment |
| Default Time | 15 Minutes |
| Draw Agreement Rule | No draw before 30 moves without arbiter approval |
Tie-Break Rules
The following tie-break systems will be applied:
- Buchholz Cut-1
- Buchholz
- Sonneborn Berger
- Direct Encounter
- Greater Number of Wins
- Greater Number of Wins with Black Pieces
Cash prizes will not be shared in case of ties.
Dress Code Rules
As per AICF regulations:
- Players must wear official state uniforms
- Matching T-shirts/formal shirts are compulsory
- State name must be printed on the back
- State emblem/logo should appear on the front side
Players without proper dress code may not be permitted to play.
Electronic Devices Policy
The following items are strictly prohibited inside the tournament hall:
- Mobile phones
- Smart watches
- Electronic gadgets
- Digital communication devices
Violation will result in immediate loss of the game.
Accommodation Details
Free dormitory accommodation will be provided for:
- Seeded players
- Selected players
- One manager from each state
Recommended Hotels Near Venue
| Hotel Name | Contact Number |
|---|---|
| AJ Grand Hotel | +91 8242868400 |
| Hotel Ocean Pearl | +91 8242413800 |
| Hotel Laxmi Cityside | +91 9972949771 |
| Hotel Srinivas | 0824 2440061 |
| Panchami Boarding & Lodging | 0824 2211214 |
Accommodation Assistance Contacts
| Name | Contact |
|---|---|
| Mr. Ramesh Kote | 9448723363 |
| Mrs. Ramya Rai | 9632865720 |
| Mr. Ratan | 7411581457 |
Boarding Allowance
| Details | Amount |
|---|---|
| Boarding Support for Selected & Seeded Players | ₹1,500 |
Emergency & Technical Support Contacts
| Contact Person | Role | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Mr. Tej Kumar | KSCA Secretary | 9535311116 |
| IA. Vasanth BH | Technical Support | 9448622388 |
| FA. Sakshath U.K | Technical Support | 8748029018 |
Email Support:
Tourist Attractions Around Mangaluru
Players and parents visiting Mangaluru can also explore several famous tourist destinations:
- Pilikula Biological Park
- Tannirbhavi Beach
- Gokarnanatha Temple
- Kadri Manjunath Temple
- St. Aloysius Chapel
- Kukke Subramanya Temple
Important Rules & Regulations
- Parents and accompanying persons are not allowed inside the playing hall
- Withdrawal after pairings will not result in entry fee refund
- Leaving before prize distribution without permission may lead to one-year suspension
- Medical age verification may be conducted anytime during the event
- Protest fee is ₹3,000
Organising Committee
| Name | Position |
|---|---|
| Dr. Amarshree A. Shetty | President, DKCA |
| Mr. Sunil Achar | Hon. President, DKCA |
| Mr. Ramesh Kote | Vice President, KSCA |
| Mrs. Ramya S. Rai | Secretary, DKCA |
| Dr. T.N Madhukar | President, KSCA |
| Mrs. Nisha Panikar | Joint Secretary, DKCA |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When will the tournament be conducted?
The championship will take place from 2nd August to 8th August 2026.
What is the total prize fund?
The tournament offers a total prize fund of ₹8,00,000.
What is the venue for the championship?
The venue is Indoor Stadium Urwa, Mangaluru, Karnataka.
What is the age eligibility?
Players born on or after 01 January 2015 are eligible.
Is accommodation available?
Yes, free dormitory accommodation is available for selected and seeded players.
Are electronic devices allowed?
No, all electronic devices including watches are strictly prohibited.
What is the entry fee?
Ordinary entry fee is ₹1,250 and special entry fee is ₹6,250.
Online payment is not available for this event. Contact the organizer to register:
📞 Mr. Tej Kumar KSCA Secretary 9535311116 IA. Vasanth BH Technical Support 9448622388 FA. Sakshath U.K Technical Support 8748029018
Organized by : DAKSHINA KANNADA CHESS ASSOCIATION (R) MANGALURU ON BEHALF OF Karnataka State Chess Association Under the aegis of All India Chess Federation Supported by : Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports Government of India
Indoor Stadium Urwa Mangaluru Karnataka