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2nd FIDE Chess Olympiad for People with Disabilities set for October 2025 in Astana

FIDE is proud to announce that the 2nd Chess Olympiad for People with Disabilities will take place from October 19 to 26, 2025, in Astana, Kazakhstan. Organized by FIDE and hosted by the Kazakhstan Chess Federation, this major international event underscores FIDE’s ongoing commitment to inclusion and accessibility in the global chess community.

The Olympiad will bring together up to 34 teams from across the world, composed of players with visual, hearing, and physical impairments. Each team will consist of four players (with at least one from each gender), one captain/reserve, and one accompanying person. The competition will be held at the Paralympic Training Centre in Astana, a venue specially adapted to accommodate the needs of all participants.

“We are proud that our capital will host such a significant event, where each participant can showcase their intellect, resilience, and passion for chess. This Olympiad is more than just a competition; it is a powerful symbol of inclusion, equal opportunity, and respect for every individual. For us, it is also an important marker that Kazakhstan and Kazakhstan Chess Federation are consistently working to create an environment where everyone has the chance to realize their full potential. We are confident that the tournament will leave a lasting impression on all participants and guests – and we, in turn, will do our best to ensure its successful and meaningful execution. We are also deeply grateful to the Mayor of Astana, Zhenis Kassymbek, for his invaluable support of this tournament,” — Timur Turlov, President of the Kazakhstan Chess Federation

“The Chess Olympiad for People with Disabilities is a celebration of human potential and the spirit of competition. We are deeply grateful to the Kazakhstan Chess Federation for their dedication and hospitality. Their efforts will help us deliver an unforgettable experience for all participants. As 2025 marks the Year of Social Chess in FIDE, this event perfectly embodies our mission to promote chess as a game for everyone, regardless of physical ability,” — Arkady Dvorkovich, FIDE President

The competition will follow a 6-round Swiss system, with games played under classical time control. In addition to team medals and trophies, individual board prizes and special awards — including recognitions for youngest and oldest players in various categories — will be presented.
The first edition of the Chess Olympiad for People with Disabilities was held in Belgrade, Serbia, in 2023, and marked a historic milestone for accessible chess events. It attracted global attention for its inclusive spirit and high-level organization, setting the stage for a growing tradition.

2nd FIDE Chess Olympiad for People with Disabilities Regulations (PDF)

For registration and queries, federations are encouraged to contact: dis@fide.com.

Philippine Selection Tournaments for Asian Amateur Chess Championship in Hong Kong

Selection tournaments are being held for representation in the Asian Amateur Chess Championship scheduled 1-9 August 2025 in Hong Kong. See Join Asian Amateur Chess Championship 1-9 August 2025 in Hong Kong
The Philippines is sending a large delegation. See Record Entries in Asian Amateur Chess Championship in Hong Kong
National Master Nika Juris Nicolas will represent the Philippines. NM Nicolas is fresh from winning three gold medals in the 2025 Pasiglympics, conquering the Under-14, Under-13, and Under-12 chess tournaments held in Pasig City, Philippines. She won the Standard Chess, Fischer Random Chess, and ASEAN chess events.
Attorneys Krisanto Karlo Nicolas and Nikki de Vega, NM Nika’s parents, are confident in her strong performance. –Marlon Bernardino–

16th Kamatyas FIDE Rated Open Rapid Chess Set 2 August

The 16th Edition of the Kamatyas  FIDE Rated Open Rapid Chess Tournament gets underway on Saturday, August 2, 2025 at the Vista Mall, Event Center in Sta.Rosa Laguna, Philippines.
GM Daniel Maravilla Quizon will defend his title which he won in the15th Edition of the Kamatyas Rapid Chess Tournament 2025 dubbed as “The Infinite Mindstrokes” at the SM Southmall last March 1, 2025 in Las Piñas City.
The champion will earn P30,000. The second placer will get P10,000, third placer will receive P7,000, while fourth placer will bring home P5,000. The fifth to 10th placers will pocket P2,000 each while the 11th to 15th placers wil earn P1,000 each.
International Master Michael Concio Jr. who won the 6th edition will also play in this 1-day event organized by IM Roderick Nava and NM David Almirol Jr. of Kamatyas Chess Club.-Marlon Bernardino-

Pranav Beats Nogerbek in Wild Card Match for FIDE Grand Swiss

Asian Chess Federation president Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifah Al Nahyan, flanked by his son, makes the ceremonial move in the Wild Card Match for the FIDE Grand Swiss between Kazybek Nogergek (right) and Pranav V. (left). At left is ACF General Secretary Hisham Al Taher and at right is Chief Arbiter Ahmed Al Nuaimi.

2025 World Junior Champion Pranav Venkatesh of India crushed the Petroff defense of 2024 World Junior Champion Kazybek Nogerbek of Kazakhstan. The Kazakh’s doubled pawn proved to be his downfall as they transposed into a Rook and Pawn endgame. Pranav created a passed center pawn and won two more unstoppable queen-side pawns to force resignation on the 75th move.

Pranav won the match 1.5-0.5 to earn the Asian nomination to the FIDE Grand Swiss this September in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.

Open: grandswiss2025.fide.com/open-event-participants/

Women: grandswiss2025.fide.com/women-event-participants/

The match between the two world junior champions of 2024 and 2025 was organized by the Al Ain Chess and Mind Games Club under the auspices of Asian Chess Federation and FIDE under patronage of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council in cooperation with the Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium in Al Ain, UAE.

Visit Draw in 1st Game of Asian Wild Card Match for FIDE Grand Swiss for game 1 report.

Visit  Instagram . Watch games in  and  Lichess

FIDE World Cup 2025 To Take Place In India

by ChessBase India – 21/07/2025

FIDE World Cup 2025 will take place in India from 30th October to 27th November. The World Cup is an event where not only World’s best players but the respective country’s best players can also face a World-Class player, something that may not happen in other events except Olympiad. A total of 206 players will take part. Out of them, 20 Indians have already qualified via various path. They are – D Gukesh, R Praggnanandhaa, Arjun Erigaisi, Aravindh Chithambaram, Vishy Anand, Nihal Sarin, Iniyan Pa, Raja Rithvik R, Narayanan S L, Pranesh M, Harshavardhan G B, Karthikeyan Murali, Karthik Venkataraman, Surya Sekhar Ganguly, Neelash Saha, Diptayan Ghosh, Aronyak Ghosh, Himal Gusain, Lalit Rohith and Vidit Gujrathi. More Indians can qualify as FIDE President and Organizer’s nominees are pending. Who do you think will win this edition? Photo: FIDE

20 Indians have qualified so far

The FIDE World Cup is coming to India this year! Scheduled for October 30 to November 27, 2025, the tournament will feature the world’s best players battling for the coveted title and qualification spots in the 2026 FIDE Candidates Tournament.

Format

The FIDE World Cup 2025 will feature 206 players competing in a knockout format—a dynamic and unpredictable system where the losing player in each round is eliminated.

The event has used several formats over the years, but since 2021, it has followed a single-elimination format. Each round spans three days: two classical games on the first two days, followed by tie-breaks on the third day, if necessary. In the first round, the top 50 players receive byes, while players seeded from 51 to 206 compete, with pairings based on the principle of the top half versus the reversed lower half.

What’s at stake?

The top three finishers of the 2025 World Cup will earn direct qualification for the 2026 Candidates Tournament, which determines the challenger for the World Chess Championship.

Qualification Paths

Players can qualify for the World Cup through various avenues, including:

• Reigning World Champion as of June 1, 2025

• Top four finishers from the FIDE World Cup 2023

• Reigning Women’s World Champion as of June 1, 2025

• 2024 World Junior Champion U-20

Spots Africa Americas Asia Europe
Granted 3 3 3 3
Top 8 juniors 0 0 6 2
Top 60 players 0 9 26 25
Total 3 12 35 30

• Qualifiers from Continental events, accounting for 80 spots

• The highest-rated players in the June 2025 FIDE standard rating list, 13 players, who have not qualified by any of the above listed path

• Top 100 national federations from the 2024 Chess Olympiad open section, each receiving one spot

• 4 nominees of the FIDE President

• 2 nominees of the Organiser

Detailed information on qualification can be found in the official FIDE handbook.

India: A chess powerhouse

This year’s World Cup being held in India is particularly exciting. India has become a dominant force in the chess world, thanks in part to five-time World Champion and FIDE Deputy President Viswanathan Anand, whose efforts and legacy have been instrumental in popularizing chess in the country.

India’s young stars include Dommaraju Gukesh, who became the youngest FIDE World Chess Champion at 18, R Praggnanandhaa, the runner-up of the 2023 World Cup, and Arjun Erigaisi, currently ranked world number five.

In 2024, both the Indian Open and Women’s teams claimed their first-ever gold medals at the Chess Olympiad—a historic achievement further highlighted by four individual gold medals won by Gukesh, Erigaisi, Deshmukh, and Agrawal. Additionally, Koneru Humpy secured gold at the 2024 FIDE Women’s Rapid Championship, and Vaishali Rameshbabu earned bronze at the 2024 FIDE Women’s Blitz Championship.

Team India at 45th Chess Olympiad 2024 | Photo: Stev Bonhage

India has also recently hosted major events, including the FIDE Chess Olympiad 2022, Tata Steel Chess India, the FIDE World Junior U20 Championships 2024, and the 5th leg of the FIDE Women’s Grand Prix (April 2025).

These accomplishments underscore India’s status as a global chess hub, making it a fitting venue for the FIDE World Cup 2025.

FIDE CEO Emil Sutovsky expressed his excitement: “We are thrilled to bring the FIDE World Cup 2025 to India, a country with a deep-rooted passion and support for chess. Indian chess fans’ enthusiasm has always been remarkable, and we anticipate great interest in the event among local chess lovers, both on-site and online. To enhance the experience, FIDE is committed to organizing numerous side events, featuring tournament participants and chess legends.”

Further details, including the announcement of the host city, will be released in due course. FIDE looks forward to an exhilarating tournament that continues to celebrate and advance the game of chess worldwide.

20 Indians have qualified

World Champion 2024 (1 player)

1. GM Gukesh D

World Cup 2023 (4 players)

3. GM R Praggnanandhaa

Rating in June 2025 FIDE Rating List (13 players)

9. GM Arjun Erigaisi

14. GM Aravindh Chithambaram

18. GM Vishy Anand

Asia (35 players)

45. GM Nihal Sarin – Championship 25

48. GM Iniyan Pa – Championship 25

49. GM Raja Rithvik R – Championship 25

50. GM Narayanan S L – Championship 25

51. GM Pranesh M – Championship 25

52. GM Harshavardhan G B – Championship 25

54. GM Karthikeyan Murali – Championship 25

68. GM Karthik Venmkataraman – Zone 3.7

69. GM Surya Ganguly – Zone 3.7

70. IM Neelash Saha – Zone 3.7

71. GM Diptayan Ghosh – Zone 3.7

72. IM Aromyak Ghosh – Zone 3.7

73. IM Himal Gusain – Zone 3.7

74. GM Lalit Rohit – Zone 3.7

Olympiad Spots (100 players)

149. GM Vidit Gujrathi

Links

List of Qualified players

Source

Join Asian Seniors Chess Championship in Erbil, Iraq

The Iraqi Chess Federation under the auspices of the Asian Chess Federation and International Chess Federation, has the honor to invite all National Chess Federations in Asia to participate in the 2025 Asian Seniors Chess Championships for over 50 and over 65 years old (and best women), from 4-14 October in Erbil, Iraq.

Download Asian Seniors Chess Championships 2025

The Asian Seniors Championship is open for all players over 50 and 65 years old by 31st December 2025, regardless of the rating and title, who have FIDE ID and are members of National Chess Federations in FIDE Zones 3.1 to 3.8. There is no limit in the number of participants per federation.

Gold medallist (first after tiebreak) in Standard chess open category shall receive a GM norm. 1st equal (first three after tie break) will receive the IM title. Silver and bronze medallists shall receive IM norms and FM titles. For a direct title to be awarded immediately an applicant has to have achieved at some time or other a minimum rating as follows: IM = 2200; FM = 2100.

A total of $3,000 in cash prizes are at stake as follows:

Israel Landicho Wins Cavite Rapid Chess Tournament

Tournament Director National Master Lloyd Rubio (left) congratulates Israel Landicho for winning the Battle of Chess Kings league 3 Rapid Chess tournament held 19 July 2025 at the Active Hub Cyberzone, SM City in Rosario, Cavite, Philippines.
Landicho finished the 6-round Swiss system competition with 5.5 points to clinch the title.
He defeated Reyann Benedict Sulit in the first round, Charles Beltran in the second round, Mark David Bautista in the third round, Gabriel Bautista in the fifth round and Joemarie Villadelgado in the sixth and final round.
He split the points with Wilmark Angat in the fourth round.
Villadelgado, Ferdinand Atterado, Dan dela Paz, Aca Orafla and Angat finished the tournament with similar 5.0 points; Curt Michelle Ramos scored 4.5 points while Ronald Gabayeron, Geraldine Camarines and Aaron Quartz Encarnacion having identical 4.0 points.
– Marlon Bernardino-

Eastern Asia Youth Chess Championship Starts in Zhuhai, China

Asian Chess Federation General Secretary Hisham al Taher opened the Eastern Asia Youth Chess Championship 22nd July 2025 in Zhuhai, China.

A record 461 players are participating from 14 countries, namely Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Macau, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Chinese Taipei, Vietnam and host China.

Separate groups of Boys and girls under 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 and 18 are playing Standard chess, Rapid and Blitz chess.

In the tournament hall are, from left, Zone 3.5 President Abigail Tian Hongwei of China, Asian Chess Federation General Secretary Hisham Al Taher, Thailand Chess Federation President Sahapol Nakvanich and Yuan Xiong, Deputy Director of the Zhuhai Municipal Bureau of Culture, Radio, Television, Tourism and Sports, and also the President of the Zhuhai Sports Federation.

Visit chess-results.com for round by round results and standings. Watch live game broadcast of selected games.

A view of the Tournament Hall. The schedule had to be adjusted because of the strong typhoon in Hong Kong which caused many flights to be cancelled.

Here is the new schedule of games:

Since its establishment, The Eastern Asia Youth Chess Championship has a clear mission: to promote cultural exchanges between countries in East Asia, develop the chess industry, and encourage players to understand, respect, and build significant connections amongst each other. The relevant Chess unit of Zhuhai City, the organizer of this competition, has worked tirelessly in order to make this event a success. We are confident that this platform will present a wonderful and fiercely competitive chess event, and more importantly, we believe that every participant will gain more knowledge and unforgettable memories.

Thailand boys give thumbs up sign.

Under-8 boys

Under-10 boys

Under-12 girls

Under-14 girls

Under-18 girls

Draw in 1st Game of Asian Wild Card Match for FIDE Grand Swiss

Ambassador Rauan Zhumabek of the Republic of Kazakhstan and Dr. Ismaeil Alkhoury, Asian Chess Federation Assistant General Secretary for West Asia, start the clock in the Wild Card Match for FIDE Grand Swiss on 22 July 2025 in Al Ain, UAE between Kazebek Nogerbek of Kazakhstan and Pranav Venkatesh of India. Looking on are, from left Technical Delegate Mehrdad Pahlevanzadeh of Iran, Al Ain Chess and Mind Games Club Manager Rajai Al Susi of Palestine and Asian Chess Federation Executive Director Casto Abundo of Philippines. 

Asian Chess Federation General Secretary Hisham Al Taher (center) announces the Wild Card Match for the FIDE Grand Swiss. Assisting are ACF Executive Director Casto Abundo (left) and Sultan Al Dhaheri of the Al Ain Chess and Mind Games Club. 

The match will consist of two standard chess games. In case of tie, two Rapid chess games shall be played and in case of another tie, two blitz games shall be played. Finally an Armageddon game shall decide a further tie.

In game 1, Nogerbek played aggressively with White against the Bogo Indian defense of Pranav. After an exchange of Queens on the 14th move, Nogerbek made a temporary Knight sacrifice that led to an exchange of minor pieces. Nogerbek forced a draw by repetition of position on the 30th move.

The match between the two world junior champions of 2024 and 2025 is organized by the Al Ain Chess and Mind Games Club under the auspices of Asian Chess Federation and FIDE under patronage of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council in cooperation with the Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium.

Asian Chess Federation shall nominate the winner to the FIDE Grand Swiss scheduled September in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.

The match is being played at the VIP lounge of the Hazza Bin Zayed Football Stadium in Al Ain, UAE.

Visit Instagram . Watch live games in and Lichess

Record Entries in Asian Amateur Chess Championship in Hong Kong

Over 400 players from 26 countries have registered for the 2025 Asian Amateur Chess Championships (FIDE rated with possible direct titles) from the 1st August 2025 with last round & prize giving on 9th August 2025.
Visit chess-results.com for full list of players.

Philippines Sending Large Delegation

Young chess players from General Trias City, Cavite will once again raise the Philippine flag at the Asian Amateur Chess Championship.
Guided by Mayor Jon Jon Ferrer, Cong. Ony Ferrer, Vice Mayor Jonas Glyn Labuguen, and Coach Ederwin Estavillo, the team includes WNM Bonjoure Fille Suyamin, Maureinn Lepaopao, Aaliyah Faith Caampued, Stephen Von Estavillo, Paolo Estavillo, Giecel Pacubat, Darvin Jace Manalo, Ethan Roy Deterala, Jirah Floravie Cutiyog, and Jireh Dan Jaime Cutiyog.
“We are grateful for the continued support of Mayor Jon Jon Ferrer, Cong. Ony Ferrer, and Vice Mayor Jonas Glyn Labuguen for the international chess tournament that the General Trias City, Cavite, Philippines chess team will once again participate in,” said Coach Ederwin Estavillo.
Also participating are Elizsa Gayle Cafirma, Recarte Tiauson, Johnny Wellem Carzano, Prince Immanuel Limjap, Raul Damuy, Jose Lorenzo Lat, John Paul de Guzman, Piff Caumban, Yuri Lei Paraguya, Lo Aristotle Nikolai Calica, FM Alekhine Nouri, FM Christian Mark Daluz, FM Roel Abelgas, FM Nelson Villanueva, NM Jojo Aquino, NM Nika Juris Nicolas, and NM Almario Marlon Bernardino Jr.
Also joining the competition are Hong Kong-based Edgardo Borigas, Guam-based Elmer Prudente, and Benchly Cabanayan Buccat. -Marlon Bernardino-