Ranchi: Jharkhand is set to host the Chief Minister’s Trophy – International Grandmaster Chess Championship 2026 in December 2026, with Sarai-Kharsawan district chosen as the venue.
A delegation of the Sarai-Kharsawan District Chess Association (SKDCA) met Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren at the state secretariat on Tuesday and briefed him about the proposed international-level tournament.
Championship to Be Held in December
According to the information shared by the district chess association, the championship will be organised in December 2026.
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The tournament will be conducted jointly under the aegis of the All India Chess Federation (AICF) and the Jharkhand Chess Association (SKDCA).
Key Details
- Event: Chief Minister’s Trophy – International Grandmaster Chess Championship 2026
- Venue: Sarai-Kharsawan, Jharkhand
- Scheduled: December 2026
- Organisers: All India Chess Federation and Jharkhand Chess Association
- Level: International

Tournament to Be Dedicated to Shibu Soren
The delegation informed the Chief Minister that the championship will be dedicated to the birth anniversary of Shibu Soren, referred to as Dishom Guru.
The organisers said the tournament is expected to feature prominent Grandmasters and international chess players from India and abroad. The event will also provide local chess players an opportunity to participate in an international-level competition and gain competitive exposure.
Chess Association Delegation Meets CM
The SKDCA delegation that met Chief Minister Hemant Soren included:
- Manoj Kumar, President, SKDCA
- Laxman Tudu, Vice-President, SKDCA
- Shailendra Kumar
- Abhishek Das
During the meeting, the Chief Minister extended his best wishes for the championship and assured support for the development of intellectual sports in the state.
The proposed tournament marks Jharkhand’s upcoming hosting of an international-level chess event, with Sarai-Kharsawan set to serve as the venue in December 2026.
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