The Asian Seniors Chess Championships 2026 will bring experienced chess players from across Asia to Osh, Kyrgyzstan, from 15 to 25 October 2026.
Organized by the Kyrgyz Chess Union under the auspices of the Asian Chess Federation and FIDE, the championship is open to players competing in the Over 50 and Over 65 categories, with separate recognition for the best-performing women. Players from FIDE Zones 3.1 to 3.8 are eligible to participate, with no limit on the number of participants per federation.
Ten Days of Competitive Chess
The main championship will be played over nine rounds of Standard chess using the Swiss System, with a time control of 90 minutes plus a 30-second increment per move. Participants will also have the opportunity to compete in optional Rapid and Blitz Championships, featuring seven-round Rapid and seven-to-nine-round Blitz competitions.
The tournament schedule includes the opening ceremony and first round on 16 October, followed by the remaining Standard rounds through 24 October. The Rapid Championship is scheduled for 18 October, while the Blitz Championship and awards ceremony will take place on 24 October.
Attractive Prize Fund and FIDE Titles
The Standard Championship offers a total prize fund of US$4,000, with separate prizes for the Over 50 and Over 65 categories, including special prizes for the best women. Gold, silver and bronze medalists in each category will receive medals and certificates.
The championship also provides important opportunities for titled players and aspiring masters. The regulations provide for direct FIDE titles and norms in accordance with the regulations in force. The gold medalist in each Standard open category will receive a GM norm, while the leading players may also receive IM titles or norms and FM titles, subject to the applicable rating requirements.
Five-Star Hospitality at Jannat Resort Osh
The official hotel and venue for the championship is Jannat Resort Osh, a five-star hotel in Osh. According to the championship regulations, players and accompanying persons will be accommodated at the official hotel, where accommodation includes three meals daily. The hotel also offers modern facilities, including indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a SPA complex and conference facilities.
The combination of accommodation, playing facilities and hospitality at one location is expected to provide participants with a comfortable and enjoyable championship experience.
Discovering Osh – A City of History and Culture
Beyond the chessboard, participants will have the opportunity to experience Osh, one of the historic cities of Central Asia. The city lies at the crossroads of important Silk Road routes, while the spectacular Sulaiman-Too Sacred Mountain dominates the surrounding landscape and forms the backdrop of Osh.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2009, Sulaiman-Too has been revered for more than 1,500 years and contains ancient places of worship, caves with petroglyphs and historic mosques.
The championship therefore offers not only a major sporting gathering for senior chess players, but also an opportunity to discover the rich cultural heritage and hospitality of southern Kyrgyzstan.
Check the regulations:
The Asian Chess Federation looks forward to welcoming senior players from across Asia to Osh for the Asian Seniors Chess Championships 2026 and wishes all participants and organizers a successful and memorable championship.