Late R. B. Sapre Memorial 2025 starts in 9 days
Ratnagiri will host a major amateur chess event from 16th to 18th January 2026. Players from across Maharashtra will compete in a highly competitive FIDE-rated field. The tournament also serves as an important selection event for the National Amateur Championship. The winner will take home a top prize of Rs. 14,000 along with a trophy. The event will be played over three days with eight rounds of intense competition. With great inspiration, vent will be played over three days with eight rounds of intense competition. Read the article to get full schedule and registration information. Photo: Tournament brochure
Late R. B. Sapre Memorial h2e Power Systems Maharashtra State FIDE Rating Chess Championship 2025
Ratnagiri is set to host one of the most important events on the Maharashtra chess calendar, the Late R. B. Sapre Memorial h2e Power Systems Maharashtra State Amateur FIDE Rating Selection Chess Championship 2025. The championship will take place from 16th to 18th January 2026 at Maratha Bhavan Mangal Karyalay, Malnaka, Ratnagiri.
The event is jointly organised by the Ratnagiri District Chess Association and KGN Saraswati Foundation, with the support of the Maharashtra Chess Association and the All India Chess Federation. The total prize fund of this event is Rs. 60,000 with 43 attractive trophies.
This championship is a FIDE-rated selection event. Importantly, it will serve as the official selection tournament for the 13th National Amateur Chess Championship 2025–26. Participation in this event is mandatory for players who wish to represent Maharashtra at the national amateur level.
Eligibility and Categories
The championship is open to amateur players from Maharashtra, routed strictly through their respective District Chess Associations affiliated to MCA. No direct entries will be accepted.
Players will compete in three rating-based categories:
Below 2300
Below 2000
Below 1700
Specific eligibility rules apply to each category regarding maximum published FIDE ratings and titles held. The top two players in both open and women's sections from each category will be selected to represent Maharashtra at the national championship.
Tournament Format and Schedule
Format: 8-round Swiss system
Time control: 60 minutes + 30-second increments from move one
Entry fee: Rs. 2000
Tournament Schedule:
The prize distribution ceremony will be held on 18 January at 05:30 PM.
Register for the tournament
Prizes
The winner of the championship will receive Rs. 14,000 along with a trophy, while the runner-up will get Rs. 8,000 plus a trophy. Cash prizes are awarded up to the tenth place, along with trophies for top three finishers.
Important details
Accommodation arrangements are to be managed by players themselves. Several dormitory and lodge options are available near the venue. Parking facilities are available at the venue.
A breakfast and lunch package for all three days will be available at the venue at a cost of Rs. 540, with advance payment required. The menu has been pre-decided and changes will not be entertained.
The tournament will be overseen by IA Bharat Chougule as Chief Arbiter, with FA Prachi Mayekar serving as Deputy Chief Arbiter. Vivek Sohani is the Tournament Director, and Chaitanya Bhide is the Organising Secretary.
Register now