Kevilekho Zumvu Becomes 22nd Nagaland Classical State Champion 2026
Kevilekho Zumvu scored an unbeaten 7/8 points to win the 22nd Nagaland State FIDE Rating Chess Championship 2026. Salhuto Nyekha, Khrielie Sano, and Melesai scored 6.5/8 to finish in 2nd to 4th places according to tiebreak scores. The top 4 players will represent Nagaland in the upcoming National Championship. The tournament was organised from 16th to 18th July 2026 in Kohima, Nagaland. Photos: Mr.Mengise Haikam
Nagaland's 1st Ever Rating State Championship
The 22nd Nagaland State FIDE Rating Chess Championship 2026 marks a historic milestone as Nagaland's first-ever FIDE-rated State Chess Championship. The championship was officially inaugurated in Kohima on July 16 with ceremonial first moves made by K. Sekhamo, Retired Assistant Development Commissioner (Planning), and Er: Vipulhou Lhoungu, Director of Technical Education, Nagaland.
This year's championship has attracted 75 participants from across the state, including 69 male and 6 female players. The field features 6 veteran players, 33 students representing various schools, 15 players in the Under-15 category, 13 in the Under-11 category, and 47 in the Open category. The record participation reflects the growing popularity of chess in Nagaland and marks the highest-ever turnout in the history of the Nagaland State Chess Championship.
Final Ranking after 8 Rounds
Rk. | SNo |
| Name | Typ | sex | FED | Rtg | Club/City | Pts. | TB1 | TB2 | TB3 | TB4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 3 | IND | 1854 | 7 | 38,5 | 42 | 35,75 | 0 | |||||
2 | 7 | IND | 1634 | 6,5 | 40,5 | 42,5 | 32,5 | 0 | |||||
3 | 44 | IND | 0 | 6,5 | 38 | 42 | 33,25 | 0 | |||||
4 | 2 | IND | 1857 | 6,5 | 36,5 | 39,5 | 29,5 | 0 | |||||
5 | 6 | IND | 1706 | 6 | 40 | 43 | 30,5 | 0 | |||||
6 | 8 | IND | 1619 | 6 | 38,5 | 41,5 | 28,75 | 0 | |||||
7 | 27 | IND | 0 | 6 | 38 | 40 | 27 | 0 | |||||
8 | 69 | IND | 0 | 6 | 34,5 | 37,5 | 25,5 | 0 | |||||
9 | 15 | IND | 1537 | 6 | 34 | 37,5 | 26 | 0 | |||||
10 | 5 | IND | 1784 | 5,5 | 39 | 43 | 27,25 | 0 |