39th National Under-11 Open and Girls Chess Championship 2026 Set to Take Place in Mangaluru
Mangaluru Set to Host 39th National Under-11 Open and Girls Chess Championship
Mangaluru, July 9, 2026 — The coastal city of Mangaluru is gearing up to host the prestigious 39th National Under-11 Open and Girls Chess Championship from August 2 to 8, marking a significant milestone as it will be the first national-level chess championship held in Dakshina Kannada and only the second in Karnataka’s history.
Organized by the Dakshina Kannada Chess Association (DKCA) under the aegis of the All India Chess Federation, the tournament will take place at the Urwa Indoor Stadium. Amarshree A. Shetty, president of DKCA, announced the event during a press conference on Thursday, expressing excitement about the opportunity to showcase young talent from across the nation.
“This championship is a platform for budding chess players, and we are thrilled to host it in our city,” said Dr. Shetty. “It’s a chance for young minds to engage in strategic thinking and sportsmanship.”
To participate, players must be born on or after January 1, 2015. The championship will feature two categories of entry: ordinary and special. The ordinary entry fee is set at ₹1,250, while the special entry fee is ₹6,250. Ordinary entries are limited to players sent by state or Union Territory chess associations, with each association allowed to send a maximum of four players—two boys and two girls—who must be their respective state champions.
Special entries, open to all, will also be accepted, with a 50% concession in entry fees for participants from northeastern states and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. All entries must be submitted online through the official portal at prs.aicf.in?entry.
The championship promises to be competitive, with a total prize fund of ₹8 lakh and 11 rounds of play. Additionally, the organizers will provide a lump sum of ₹1,500 towards boarding expenses for affiliated state and Union Territory associations for seeded and selected players under the ordinary entry category.
In a bid to maintain decorum, Dr. Shetty emphasized that no participant should leave the venue before the prize distribution function without the chief arbiter’s permission, warning that those who disregard this rule could face a one-year suspension.
The event is expected to attract a large number of young chess enthusiasts and their families, contributing to the local economy and promoting Mangaluru as a hub for sporting events. Ramesh Kote, vice-president of the Karnataka State Chess Association, and Sunil Achar, honorary president of DKCA, were also present at the announcement, highlighting the collaborative effort behind this significant event.
As the countdown begins, excitement is building among players and chess aficionados alike, eager to witness the strategic battles that will unfold on the chessboard in Mangaluru.