Historic Success at the 1st Dehradun Open FIDE Rated Rapid Chess Tournament 2026
Dehradun Hosts Historic 1st Open FIDE Rated Rapid Chess Tournament
Dehradun, 10 Feb: The 1st Dehradun Open FIDE Rated Rapid Chess Tournament 2026 wrapped up on Sunday at Touchwood International School, marking a significant milestone in Uttarakhand’s chess landscape. This two-day event, conducted under the auspices of the World Chess Federation (FIDE), attracted an impressive 460 players from 21 states, including notable titled players such as three FIDE Masters and one Candidate Master.
The tournament featured ten Swiss rounds, allowing both unrated and rated players to compete for their first FIDE ratings and improve their international standings. In a remarkable achievement, over 20 players from Dehradun secured their inaugural FIDE International Ratings, a development that promises to enhance the competitive chess scene in the region.
After a fierce battle on the chessboard, Prakash Ram from Punjab emerged as the champion, scoring 9 points out of 10 on tiebreak advantage. Soni Krishan from Delhi claimed the second spot with an identical score, while Vidit Sethi from Uttar Pradesh rounded out the top three with 8.5 points. The tournament also showcased promising young talent from Uttarakhand, hinting at a bright future for chess in the state.
The closing ceremony was graced by MLA Umesh Sharma ‘Kau’ as the Chief Guest and Abhishek Pant, Councillor, as the Guest of Honour. Both dignitaries praised the participants and highlighted the importance of intellectual sports like chess in nurturing analytical skills, patience, and discipline among the youth.
The event was overseen by a professional arbiter panel led by Chief Arbiter IA Ambrish C Joshi, ensuring adherence to FIDE regulations and providing players with tournament-grade conditions. Participants and their families lauded the seamless organization and hospitality, with many noting that Dehradun is now equipped to host larger national and international chess events.
Organized by Chess Knight Academy, the tournament’s success reflects the growing popularity of chess in the region. Plans are already underway to establish the Dehradun Open as an annual international event, with aspirations to expand future editions to include classical format competitions.
As the chess community in Uttarakhand continues to flourish, this tournament stands as a testament to the potential of local players and the commitment of organizers to elevate the game in the region.