Guwahati : Assam is set to witness another major sporting event as the 3rd Smart City International FIDE Rating Chess Championship (Chief Minister’s Cup) will be held in Guwahati from July 14 to 19. The prestigious tournament will take place at the Bhogeswar Baruah Sports Complex and is expected to attract around 400 chess players from across India and abroad. Organised under the aegis of the Assam Chess Association, the six-day championship will feature several top-rated players, including two Grandmasters who have already confirmed their participation. The event aims to provide a valuable platform for emerging chess talents to compete against experienced opponents and gain international exposure.
Speaking to the media, Assam Chess Association secretary Rajib Dhar said the tournament would offer a total prize purse of Rs 5.20 lakh, making it one of the most significant chess events in the region. The championship is expected to boost the popularity of chess in Assam and encourage greater participation among young players. The tournament has already been registered with the International Chess Federation (FIDE) and will follow standard FIDE-rated classical format regulations. Players will compete over multiple rounds, with performances contributing to their international ratings.
The event comes at a time when chess is witnessing growing popularity in Assam, particularly following the rise of young talents from the state. Organisers believe the championship will further strengthen Assam’s position on the national and international chess map and provide local players an opportunity to test their skills against some of the best competitors in the game.
