Kanpur, 12 October 2026: Following the overwhelming response to its inaugural FIDE-rated Open Rapid Chess Tournament, IIT Kanpur is set to host the second edition of the tournament. The first edition brought together 336 players from across the country, creating a vibrant competitive environment that brought young children, club players, and seasoned veterans together on the same boards. Building on this success, the Chess Club, IIT Kanpur, aims to make the second edition an even bigger celebration of chess.

Organised by the Chess Club, IIT Kanpur, in association with SBI General Insurance Company Ltd. (SBI GIC) and co-powered by SBI, the tournament will bring together chess players from across the country for a day of competitive play.

The one-day tournament will be held on 25 October, beginning at 9:00 AM, at the Yoga Hall, New Students’ Activity Centre (SAC), IIT Kanpur. The competition will feature nine rounds under the Swiss System, with each game played under a time control of 10 minutes plus a five-second increment per move, in accordance with FIDE regulations.

With a total prize pool of ₹2,50,000, the tournament offers substantial rewards across multiple categories. The top three finishers will receive ₹45,000, ₹30,000, and ₹20,000, respectively, with cash prizes extending up to the 25th position. Additional awards will recognise the Best Veteran (50+), Top 3 Women Players, Top 3 Children (Under 10), and players in the 1600-1799, 1400-1599, and Unrated categories. The tournament will also feature exclusive prizes for the top three rated IIT Kanpur players, top 3 unrated IIT Kanpur players, and other top-ten IIT Kanpur players.

Encouraging participation among young chess enthusiasts, the tournament will award trophies to the top three finishers in each of the Under-8, Under-10, Under-12, Under-14, and Under-16 categories.

Registrations will remain open until 22 October 2026. The entry fee is ₹1,250, with a reduced fee of ₹1,000 for IIT Kanpur students and community members. Grandmasters (GMs), Women Grandmasters (WGMs), International Masters (IMs), and Women International Masters (WIMs) can participate free of charge.

All participants must possess a valid All India Chess Federation (AICF) registration for the 2026–27 season. Players representing Uttar Pradesh must additionally hold a valid Uttar Pradesh Chess Sports Association (UPCSA) registration.

Building on the momentum of its first FIDE-rated open rapid tournament, the Chess Club, IIT Kanpur, looks forward to bringing together players of different ages, backgrounds, and levels of experience once again. With competitive matches, a substantial prize pool, and dedicated opportunities for both young players and veterans, the second edition aims to add another memorable chapter to IIT Kanpur’s growing chess culture.

Players can register through the official tournament registration link:
https://forms.gle/G49DRrE2FwwSi2xx6

About IIT Kanpur

The Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, established in 1959, is recognised as an Institute of National Importance by the Government of India. Renowned for excellence in science, engineering, and interdisciplinary education, IIT Kanpur spans a 1,050-acre lush green campus and comprises 20 departments, 27 centres, three interdisciplinary programmes, and three specialised schools. With over 570 faculty members and more than 9,500 students, the institute continues to lead in innovation, research, and holistic development.

For more information, please visit: www.iitk.ac.in