Key Highlights
- Cambridge School Greater Noida to host Open Chess Tournament from June 9 to 11, 2026.
- The event will feature six age categories: Under-7, Under-9, Under-11, Under-13, Under-15 and Under-17.
- It will be a mixed individual competition with no separate boys’ and girls’ categories.
- Students can compete in higher age categories if they wish.
- So far, 31 players from 11 schools and academies have registered.
- Registrations will remain open till Monday, June 8, 2026.
- The tournament aims to promote focus, critical thinking, confidence and sportsmanship.
- Anisha Singh, Founder of Global Sports Academy and Co-Founder of Mindgames Chess Academy, will serve as Chief Arbiter.
Cambridge School, Greater Noida is all set to host the 1st Cambridge School Open Chess Tournament 2026 from June 9 to June 11, 2026. The three-day tournament will bring together young chess players from schools and academies across the region.
The tournament aims to provide students with a competitive yet encouraging platform to test their skills, learn from other players and gain valuable tournament experience.
The event will be conducted in six age categories — Under-7, Under-9, Under-11, Under-13, Under-15 and Under-17.
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A Mixed Individual Competition for All Participants
The tournament will be held as a mixed individual competition, with no separate categories for boys and girls. This format has been designed to ensure equal opportunity for all participants.
Students will compete based on their skill, preparation, focus and ability to handle pressure during the game. The tournament will also allow students to participate in higher age categories if they wish.
This will give young players an opportunity to challenge themselves against older and more experienced opponents. It will also help them gain exposure to different playing styles and improve their confidence.
Registration Open Till June 7th
As of now, 31 players from 11 different schools and academies have registered for the tournament.
Registrations will remain opened till 22:00 IST on 07th June 2026. More participants are expected to join before the closing date.
The event is expected to see participation from students who are already active in chess, as well as young learners who want to experience a formal chess tournament environment.
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Promoting Chess During Summer Vacation
Cambridge School Greater Noida is organising the tournament during the summer vacation to help students use their holidays in a productive and enjoyable way.
The tournament will encourage students to stay mentally active, build concentration and develop strategic thinking. It will also give them a chance to interact with students from other schools and academies.
Why Chess is Seen as a Tool for Student Development?
Chess is widely seen as a game that supports the overall development of children. It helps improve concentration, patience, logical thinking, decision-making and problem-solving skills.
For school students, chess can also help in building emotional balance. The game teaches children how to stay calm, think before making decisions and accept both victory and defeat with maturity.
Experts POV:
Anisha Singh, Founder, Global Sports Academy, Co-Founder, Mindgames Chess Academy, stated that, "I am delighted to be serving as the Chief Arbiter for the 1st Cambridge School Open Chess Tournament at Cambridge School Greater Noida. Over the years, I have had the opportunity to officiate more than 100 chess tournaments conducted by various chess associations, schools, and organisations. Through these experiences, I have seen how chess helps children develop concentration, patience, logical thinking, decision-making skills, and self-confidence.
I strongly believe that chess is much more than a game—it is a valuable life skill that prepares children to face challenges with a calm and focused mind. My dream is to see every school-going child participate in at least one physical sport of their choice along with chess, helping them achieve overall physical, mental, and emotional well-being while becoming responsible and confident individuals.
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"Cambridge School Greater Noida is hosting the 1st Cambridge School Open Chess Tournament 2026 during the summer vacation, providing students with an excellent opportunity to utilize their holidays in a productive and enjoyable manner.
The tournament aims to promote critical thinking, concentration, decision-making, and sportsmanship among young learners. Participants from different age groups will have the chance to compete, learn new strategies, and showcase their skills in a healthy and competitive environment.
The event will also encourage interaction among students from different schools and academies, helping them build friendships and gain valuable tournament experience.", Said, Digamber Singh Attri, Sports Manager (SAE), Cambridge Schools
Kushank Rustagi, Sports Executive (SAE), Cambridge Schools, also mentioned that, "The 1st Cambridge School Open Chess Tournament at Cambridge School Greater Noida is an initiative to promote not only outdoor sports but also indoor sports that help develop important life skills. Chess enhances concentration, logical thinking, decision-making, patience, and problem-solving abilities among children. Beyond healthy competition, this tournament will provide students from different schools an opportunity to interact, build friendships, learn from one another, and experience the true spirit of sportsmanship.
We hope this tournament motivates students to challenge themselves, build confidence, and develop a greater interest in the game. It will also help them learn discipline, respect for opponents, and the importance of staying calm and focused under pressure."
News4Bharat POV
The 1st Cambridge School Open Chess Tournament 2026 marks an important initiative by Cambridge School Greater Noida to promote chess among school students.
By bringing together players from different age groups, schools and academies, the tournament aims to create a healthy and inspiring environment for young learners.
The event will not only celebrate chess talent but also encourage students to develop focus, confidence, patience and sportsmanship — qualities that will benefit them far beyond the chessboard.
