VV BALARAM Memorial FIDE Rated Open Chess Tournament 2026
FIDE Rated Open Chess Tournament 2026
The VV BALARAM Memorial FIDE Rated Open Chess Tournament 2026 is one of the major FIDE-rated chess tournaments scheduled in Kerala during August 2026. Organized by the Rotary Club of Payyanur Midtown in association with the Chess Association Kannur, this prestigious event offers a total prize fund of ₹4,00,000, making it one of the most attractive open tournaments in South India.
The tournament welcomes FIDE-rated players, unrated players, young talents, and veteran players from across India. Conducted under the rules of FIDE, AICF, CAK, and CAK (Kannur), the tournament promises a highly competitive playing environment with excellent facilities.
Tournament Highlights
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Tournament | VV BALARAM Memorial FIDE Rated Open Chess Tournament |
| Event Code | 462255/KL/2026 |
| Tournament Type | FIDE Rated Open |
| Dates | 28 August – 31 August 2026 |
| Venue | Chinmaya Vidyalaya, Annur, Payyanur |
| District | Kannur |
| State | Kerala |
| Total Prize Fund | ₹4,00,000 |
| Organizers | Rotary Club of Payyanur Midtown & Chess Association Kannur |
| Approved By | FIDE, AICF, CAK & CAK |
Venue Details
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Venue | Chinmaya Vidyalaya |
| Locality | Annur |
| Town | Payyanur |
| District | Kannur |
| State | Kerala |
| Country | India |
| Road Connectivity | Approximately 3.5 km from Payyanur Bus Stand |
| Railway Connectivity | Payyanur Railway Station – Approx. 6.2 km |
| Alternate Railway Station | Payangadi Railway Station – Approx. 16 km |
Main Prize List
| Rank | Prize |
|---|---|
| 1st | ₹50,000 |
| 2nd | ₹30,000 |
| 3rd | ₹20,000 |
| 4th | ₹15,000 |
| 5th | ₹10,000 |
| 6th | ₹8,000 |
| 7th | ₹7,000 |
| 8th | ₹6,000 |
| 9th | ₹5,000 |
| 10th | ₹5,000 |
| 11th–15th | ₹4,000 each |
| 16th–20th | ₹3,000 each |
| 21st–30th | ₹2,500 each |
Category Prize Details
Rating Category (1601–1800)
| Position | Prize |
|---|---|
| 1st | ₹10,000 |
| 2nd | ₹7,000 |
| 3rd | ₹5,000 |
| 4th | ₹3,000 |
| 5th & 6th | ₹3,000 |
| 7th & 8th | ₹2,500 |
Rating Category (0–1600)
| Position | Prize |
|---|---|
| 1st | ₹10,000 |
| 2nd | ₹7,000 |
| 3rd | ₹5,000 |
| 4th | ₹3,000 |
| 5th & 6th | ₹3,000 |
| 7th & 8th | ₹2,500 |
Unrated Players
| Position | Prize |
|---|---|
| 1st | ₹8,000 |
| 2nd | ₹5,000 |
| 3rd | ₹3,000 |
| 4th | ₹2,500 |
| 5th | ₹2,500 |
Under-15 Category
| Position | Prize |
|---|---|
| 1st | ₹8,000 |
| 2nd | ₹5,000 |
| 3rd | ₹3,000 |
| 4th | ₹2,500 |
| 5th | ₹2,500 |
| 6th–8th | ₹2,000 |
Under-10 Category
| Position | Prize |
|---|---|
| 1st | ₹5,000 |
| 2nd | ₹4,000 |
| 3rd | ₹3,000 |
| 4th | ₹2,500 |
| 5th & 6th | Medal |
| 7th & 8th | Medal |
Special Category Prizes
| Category | Prize |
|---|---|
| Veteran (Age 60+) Champion | ₹5,000 |
| Veteran Runner-up | ₹4,000 |
| Veteran 3rd | ₹3,000 |
| Veteran 4th | ₹2,500 |
| Women Champion | ₹5,000 |
| Women Runner-up | ₹3,000 |
| Women 3rd | ₹2,500 |
| Women 4th | Medal |
| Kannur District Champion | ₹5,000 |
| Kannur Runner-up | ₹4,000 |
| Kannur 3rd | ₹3,000 |
| Kannur 4th | ₹2,500 |
| Best Kozhikode Player | ₹4,000 |
| Best Kasaragod Player | ₹4,000 |
| Best Wayanad Player | ₹4,000 |
| Medal | All U10 & Women Participants |
Top two players in every category receive trophies (minimum participation conditions apply).
Tournament Schedule
| Date | Time | Round |
|---|---|---|
| 28 Aug 2026 | 09:00 AM | Inauguration |
| 28 Aug 2026 | 09:30 AM | Players Meeting |
| 28 Aug 2026 | 10:00 AM | Round 1 |
| 28 Aug 2026 | 03:00 PM | Round 2 |
| 29 Aug 2026 | 09:00 AM | Round 3 |
| 29 Aug 2026 | 02:00 PM | Round 4 |
| 30 Aug 2026 | 09:00 AM | Round 5 |
| 30 Aug 2026 | 02:00 PM | Round 6 |
| 31 Aug 2026 | 08:30 AM | Round 7 |
| 31 Aug 2026 | 01:30 PM | Round 8 |
Time Control: 90 minutes + 30 seconds increment per move.
Entry Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| GM, WGM, IM & WIM | Free |
| Entry before 15 Aug 2026 | ₹2,000 |
| Late Entry (till 23 Aug 2026) | ₹2,500 |
Accommodation
- Dormitory accommodation available.
- First 70 players can avail accommodation.
- Bed and pillow provided.
- Accommodation available on first-come, first-served basis.
Chief Arbiter
IA Jismon Mathew
Contact Information
Tournament Enquiry
| Language | Contact |
|---|---|
| Malayalam | Sugnesh Babu – 9496 142 366 |
| Malayalam | Eswaran – 9495 515 411 |
| Tamil | Haris N K – 8921 225 749 |
| Kannada | Manojan Ravi – 6238 517 833 |
| English & Hindi | Manoharan V P – 9446 545 184 |
| Accommodation | Rajeevan P V – 8281 560 868 |
Technical Support:
- 9074365503
- 7907780366
Nearby Tourist Attractions
Visitors can also explore several famous destinations around Payyanur:
- Bekal Fort
- Madayipara
- Parassinikadavu Muthappan Temple
- Kavvayi Island
- Thalassery Kadalpalam
- Muzhappilangad Drive-in Beach
- Rajarajeshwara Temple
- Kavvayi Backwaters
- Thalassery Fort
- Dharmadam Thuruth
- Arakkal Museum
- Mayyazhi (Mahe)
Why You Should Participate
The VV BALARAM Memorial FIDE Rated Open Chess Tournament offers players an outstanding opportunity to compete against strong opponents while earning valuable FIDE rating points. With an impressive ₹4 lakh prize fund, professionally organized playing conditions, experienced arbiters, and excellent hospitality, this tournament is expected to attract participants from across India. Whether you are a seasoned FIDE-rated player, an ambitious junior, or an enthusiastic amateur, this event provides the perfect platform to showcase your chess skills in one of Kerala’s most prestigious chess competitions.
Online payment is not available for this event. Contact the organizer to register:
📞 Malayalam Sugnesh Babu – 9496 142 366 Malayalam Eswaran – 9495 515 411 Tamil Haris N K – 8921 225 749 Kannada Manojan Ravi – 6238 517 833 English & Hindi Manoharan V P – 9446 545 184 Accommodation Rajeevan P V – 8281 560 868
Rotary Club of Payyanur Midtown in association with the Chess Association Kannur
Chinmaya Vidyalaya, Annur, Payyanur, Kannur, Kerala