Al Ain:The city of Al Ain is set to host the fourth edition of the World Junior Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships from November 1 to 7, 2026. The event will bring together 150 male and female players under the age of 20 from 40 countries. The championship is organized by the Al Ain Chess and Mind Games Club in cooperation with the International Chess Federation (FIDE) and the UAE Chess Federation.
According to Wam, the event was announced during a press conference at the Presidential Hall next to Hazza bin Zayed Stadium. Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifa bin Sultan bin Shakhboot Al Nahyan, President of the Asian Chess Federation and Chairman of Al Ain Chess and Mind Games Club, expressed his gratitude to UAE leaders for their support. He highlighted the opportunity this event presents to bring young chess talents from around the world to Al Ain and prepare a new generation of UAE players.
The championship will feature Open and Girls' sections for players under 20, with a prize fund increased to three times that of the previous edition. Special prizes will also be awarded to the best Arab male and female players in both rapid and blitz categories. The championships coincide with Al Ain's designation as the Arab Tourism Capital for 2026.
Dr. Ismail Al Khoori, President of the UAE Chess Federation, emphasized the significance of the event as a reflection of the UAE leadership's vision. He noted that the championships align with the objectives of the Sports Strategy 2030, reinforcing the UAE's status as a leading destination for international sporting events. The UAE Chess Federation is committed to supporting the Organising Committee with all necessary resources to ensure the event's success.
Hisham Al Taher, CEO of Al Ain Chess and Mind Games Club, commented on the importance of hosting the championships, noting the UAE's reputation for high-standard international events. He highlighted the collaborative efforts of the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, the UAE Chess Federation, and local authorities in Al Ain in preparing for the event. The championships provide an opportunity for UAE players to compete against top international talents, fostering their development and enhancing the country's achievements in chess.
Source Wam