08/19/2026
*ONAM FESTIVAL KICKS OFF WITH INTERNATIONAL “CHESS FOR EVERYONE” — FREE FIDE-RATED TOURNAMENT IN TRIVANDRUM*
Premier Chess Academy brings titled players from India and abroad together for six days of Classical, Rapid and Blitz chess from August 20–25, 2026
*Trivandrum, Kerala | 19 August 2026*
As Kerala prepares to celebrate the spirit of Onam, Trivandrum is set for a different kind of festival — a six-day celebration of chess, inclusion and sporting excellence.
Premier Chess Academy (PCA) will host its “Chess for Everyone” International FREE FIDE-Rated Chess Tournament from 20–25 August 2026 in Trivandrum, bringing together aspiring players, established competitors and internationally titled chess players on the same platform.
The initiative reflects a simple philosophy: serious competitive chess should be accessible to everyone.
*INTERNATIONAL STARS COME TO TRIVANDRUM*
The tournament will feature a distinguished group of titled players, including:
* GM Peter Kiriakov — Russia
* IM Jorge Marcos Gomez Sanchez — Cuba
* IM K. Murugan — Tamil Nadu
* IM Sekhar Chandra Sahu — Odisha
* IM Anup Deshmukh — Maharashtra
Their presence offers young and upcoming players a rare opportunity to compete alongside and learn from experienced international and Indian masters.
*THREE FORMATS. THREE CHAMPIONS*.
The six-day chess festival will feature all three major competitive formats:
♟ *Classical*: 20–23 August 2026
⚡ *Rapid*: 24–25 August 2026
🔥 *Blitz*: 25 August 2026
All three are FIDE-rated tournaments, giving participants the opportunity to compete in internationally recognized events and gain or improve their official FIDE ratings.
*CHESS AS A SOCIAL CAUSE*
“Chess for Everyone” is more than a tournament for Premier Chess Academy. It is part of PCA’s continuing effort to make quality competitive chess accessible irrespective of a player’s financial background.
By conducting *FREE FIDE-rated* chess events, PCA aims to remove one of the barriers that can prevent talented and passionate players from experiencing serious tournament chess.
From an unrated youngster dreaming of a first FIDE rating to a Grandmaster competing at the highest level, the tournament floor represents the same message:
Everyone has a place in chess.
CELEBRATING ONAM THROUGH CHESS
The timing gives this year’s event a special character. With Onam festivities beginning across Kerala, the tournament combines the state’s celebration of community and togetherness with the universal language of chess.
Players arriving from different parts of India and overseas will experience not only competitive chess but also the warmth and festive spirit of Kerala.
For Premier Chess Academy, it is a fitting way to begin the Onam season — bringing people together across age, rating, geography and nationality through 64 squares.
ABOUT PREMIER CHESS ACADEMY
Premier Chess Academy is committed to “Igniting the Passion for Chess” by providing high-quality chess education and competitive opportunities while making the game accessible to a wider community.
Through its Chess for Everyone social-cause initiative, the Academy continues to create opportunities for aspiring players to participate in internationally rated chess tournaments and compete alongside titled players.
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CHESS FOR EVERYONE — ONAM FESTIVAL KICK-OFF
📅 20–25 August 2026
📍 Trivandrum, Kerala, India
♟ Classical | Rapid | Blitz
🌍 International FIDE-Rated Events
CELEBRATE ONAM. EXPERIENCE CHESS. CREATE MEMORIES FOR LIFE!
