The Qatar Sports for All Federation, a partner of the Ministry of Sports and Youth, has announced the launch of the Sports for All Open Chess Championship 2026 in cooperation with the Qatar Chess Association.

The tournament will be held at the Qatar Chess Association Training Center and is open to participants aged 12 years and above, including men, women, and children. The championship is expected to attract a large number of chess enthusiasts from across the community.

Competition will take place over the upcoming Friday and Saturday, with participants divided into four groups. Players who achieve the highest scores in their respective groups will advance to the final rounds, where they will compete for the top positions in what promises to be an exciting and highly competitive event for chess players of all ages.

The tournament will be conducted under a rapid chess format, with each player receiving ten minutes per game, plus an additional five seconds added after every move. The final day will feature the championship rounds to determine the winners, who will be recognized with cash prizes aimed at encouraging continued participation in chess and promoting wider engagement in sports and recreational activities across society.

Registration is open to all family members—men, women, adults, and children—through the Qatar Sports for All Federation application, providing participants of different skill levels with an opportunity to enjoy a competitive and rewarding experience.

Mr. Abdullah Al Dosari, Executive Director of the Qatar Sports for All Federation, stated that this edition of the championship aims to attract even more participants, building on the success of previous editions that demonstrated the growing popularity of chess as a mental sport that strengthens concentration, strategic thinking, and analytical skills.

He noted that family participation adds a valuable dimension to the event by creating a vibrant and interactive community atmosphere, while further reinforcing chess as a sport enjoyed by people of all ages. Al Dosari also praised the Federation’s ongoing cooperation with the Qatar Chess Association in organizing technically and administratively successful tournaments that contribute to the development of the game and the expansion of its player base within the community.

The Sports for All Open Chess Championship is one of many initiatives organized by the Qatar Sports for All Federation to encourage greater participation in sports and physical activity. Since the beginning of the year, the Federation has organized a variety of competitions and programs designed to meet the interests and aspirations of young people and community members, including the Qatar Youth League, swimming championships, Muay Thai training programs, Furjan Fields tournaments, desert challenges such as the Al Zubarah and Fuwairit challenges, and family-oriented races that encourage collective participation in sport.

Through its annual calendar, which includes more than 850 activities, events, and championships this year, the Qatar Sports for All Federation continues to pursue its core objective of promoting sports culture, encouraging active lifestyles, and making sport an integral part of everyday life while building a healthier and more physically active society.