Asian Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships 2026 Kicks Off at TWGHs TungPo Kitty Woo Stadium

The "Asian Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships 2026," organised by the Hong Kong China Chess Federation, officially kicked off on July 28 at the TWGHs TungPo Kitty Woo
Stadium. Running from July 27 to 31, the tournament is being held in Hong Kong for the first time and has attracted nearly 200 participants from close to 15 countries and regions, including China, Japan, India, Vietnam, Central Asia, and Southeast Asia. With a total prize fund of HKD 250,000, the championship has drawn a strong field of players, 40% of whom hold FIDE titles.

Asian Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships 2026 kicks off. Photo source: Hong Kong China Chess Federation

Asian Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships 2026 kicks off. Photo source: Hong Kong China Chess Federation

The event has been officially included in the FIDE Circuit, making it one of the few tournaments in Asia to receive this recognition. Athletes competing in this championship will earn FIDE Circuit ranking points, with the top two ranked players at the end of the year securing a spot in the FIDE Candidates Tournament 2028. This inclusion marks the first time a tournament in Hong Kong has been integrated into FIDE's top-tier event system, underscoring the championship's international credibility.

The opening ceremony was graced by the presence of Mr. Bharat Singh Chauhan, Deputy President of the Asian Chess Federation, Mr. Hisham Al-Taher, General Secretary of the Asian Chess Federation and Mr. Sahapol Nakvanich, Treasurer of the Asian Chess Federation. The tournament boasts an impressive line-up of athletes, with almost 80 titled players competing for the championship. Among them are top international grandmasters, including GM Wang Hao (World No. 40 and champion of the 15th National Games Men's Individual Open category) and GM Bai Jinshi (a member of the winning team at the FIDE World Team Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships 2026).

The opening ceremony was graced by the presence of Mr. Hisham Al-Taher, General Secretary of the Asian Chess Federation. Photo source: Hong Kong China Chess Federation

Hong Kong is well represented by its own talented athletes, including CM Li Yiheng and FM Daniel Lam King Wai, who represented Hong Kong at the Hangzhou Asian Games, as well as FM Henry Ho In Hei and FM Samuel Lam Chun Yung, who competed in the National Games. FM Henry Ho In Hei was also a member of the team that claimed the title of Best Hong Kong Team at the FIDE World Team Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships 2026.

Beyond the competition, the organisers have curated a range of side events to bring the joy of chess into the community. In partnership with the charity organisation Branches of Hope, the tournament has hosted chess workshops led by professional coaches, offering a welcoming and supportive learning environment for refugee communities, helping participants build confidence and a sense of belonging through the game. Meanwhile, gaming platform Anichess has joined the event for a sharing session, inviting players to explore the fun and strategy of the chess-based game "King's Gambit."

Mr. Sahapol Nakvanich, Treasurer of the Asian Chess Federation (left one), Mr. Hisham Al-Taher, General Secretary of the Asian Chess Federation (left three) and Mr. Bharat Singh Chauhan, Deputy President of the Asian Chess Federation (left four) officiated the ceremonial opening move. Photo source: Hong Kong China Chess Federation

Besides, Vice-President of the Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, Mr. Kenneth Fok posted on social media that he was delighted to co-host a delegation from the Asian Chess Federation together with the Hong Kong China Chess Federation at Olympic House. The delegation included H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Khalifa bin Shakhbout Al Nahyan (President of the Asian Chess Federation), Mr. Hisham Al Taher (General Secretary), and Mr. Geoffrey Kao (Honorary President of the Hong Kong China Chess Federation).

Photo source: FB@Kenneth Fok

Photo source: FB@Kenneth Fok

Photo source: FB@Kenneth Fok

Mr. Fok noted that chess is a universal language transcending cultures, and its development across Asia in recent years has been remarkably rapid. In a warm and welcoming atmosphere, we exchanged insightful ideas on promoting chess culture, strengthening youth training, and hosting international tournaments. We look forward to future collaborations that will bring more world-class events to Hong Kong and into our local communities, inspiring more people through mind sports.

Photo source: FB@Kenneth Fok

Photo source: FB@Kenneth Fok

Photo source: FB@Kenneth Fok

Photo source: FB@Kenneth Fok

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — The international governing body for chess on Friday suspended former world champion Vladimir Kramnik for at least a year after he leveled unproven allegations of cheating against fellow players, including Daniel Naroditsky, who died last year at age 29.

Kramnik accused Naroditsky of cheating last year and continued to share suspicions on social media. Naroditsky, a prodigious chess player and American grandmaster who helped usher in the game’s online boom with educational YouTube videos and livestreams, denied the allegations.

Kramnik said in an email to The Associated Press that he plans to appeal the suspension.

“I am absolutely confident that this unlawful verdict will ultimately be overturned, and I intend to pursue all necessary instances to the very end in order to restore justice and, in particular, my reputation,” Kramnik said in a social media post.

The chess federation said Kramnik publicly alleged cheating without “adequate evidentiary support,” violating its rules against cyber bullying.

The federation said combating cheating was one of its priorities, but that allegations must be addressed through its procedures and supported by appropriate evidence.

“He exposed identifiable players to unjustified reputational harm and undermined the safeguards established by the disciplinary framework,” federation representatives said in their decision.

Naroditsky was found dead at his North Carolina home in October. He was killed by an abnormal heartbeat caused by an accidental overdose, according to a toxicology report.

Naroditsky had said before his death that Kramnik’s allegations had taken a toll on him.

“Ever since the Kramnik stuff, I feel like if I start doing well, people assume the worst of intentions. The issue is just the lingering effect of it,” Naroditsky said in his last livestream before his death.

Kramnik called Naroditsky’s death a tragedy. He said there had been a cynical campaign to link him to Naroditsky's death without any factual basis.

FILE - Russia's Vladimir Kramnik meets the media during a news conference after the 10th game of the Chess World Championship in the Art and Exhibition Hall of the Federal Republic of Germany in Bonn, western Germany, Oct. 27, 2008. (AP Photo/Hermann J. Knippertz, File)