The FIDE World Cadet and Youth Rapid and Blitz Chess Championship officially commenced today in Vrnjačka Banja, celebrated as the capital of chess and tourism in Serbia.
The event attracted around 450 participants from 40 national federations competing across six age groups – U8, U10, U12, U14, U16, and U18 – in Open and Girls’ categories. Both the rapid (April 15–17) and blitz (April 19–20) competitions follow an 11-round Swiss format.
The top-seeded players in the Open events include Aleksandr Usov (2468), Khumoyun Begmuratov (2467), Nikolay Averin (2461), Aldiyar Ansat (2440), David Kaufman (2417), and Alex Villa Tornero (2414).
Afruza Khamdamova (2367), Diana Preobrazhenskaya (2304), Zarina Nurgaliyeva (2256), Diana Khafizova (2234), Elnaz Kaliakhmet (2222), and Sara Mijic (2191) top the Girls’ starting list.
The opening ceremony took place in the packed hall of Hotel Zepter, beginning with the anthems of the Republic of Serbia and FIDE. Speeches were delivered by the President of the Chess Federation of Serbia, Andrija Jorgić; the representative of the World Chess Federation, Ozgur Solakoglu; the State Secretary of the Ministry of Sports, Ratko Nikolić; and the Mayor of Vrnjačka Banja, Boban Đurović.
In his address, the President of the Chess Federation of Serbia, Andrija Jorgić, expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Sports as the most important partner on the path to an ever-better chess Serbia, as well as to the municipality of Vrnjačka Banja for their selfless help and support.
“I would also like to thank FIDE and its President, Mr. Dvorkovich, for the trust they have placed in us in organizing this championship. I believe that we will once again justify that trust and that our country will host many similar competitions in the future. I would like to welcome everyone to Vrnjačka Banja and wish the participants good moves and great results,” Jorgić said.
Speaking on behalf of FIDE, FIDE Ozgur Solakoglu welcomed the young competitors:
“As the FIDE Representative, it is a true pleasure to welcome you all to Vrnjačka Banja for the start of the FIDE World Cadet and Youth Rapid and Blitz Chess Championship 2026. This beautiful town has become a home for world chess – and today we proudly celebrate our third FIDE World Chess Event here. To all the young talents in this hall: this championship is your stage. Your energy, your creativity, and your fearless approach to the game are what make events like this so special. Rapid and blitz are formats that reward courage, quick thinking, and a big heart – and I know you bring all of that with you. Enjoy every moment. Play with passion, play fair, and always learn from your mistakes. Do not forget also to enjoy the side events.”
The State Secretary of the Ministry of Sports, Ratko Nikolić, praised the organizers and reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to supporting chess as a tool for youth development:.
“Chess is not just a game. It is a school of patience, discipline, logic, and respect for the opponent. In a time of rapid change, these values are what young people need more than ever. That is why it is important that through competitions like this, not only champions are built, but also character. Dear competitors, you are the best ambassadors of your countries. Every game you play is an opportunity to show not only your knowledge but also fair play, dignity, and mutual respect. Regardless of the result, your participation here is already a great success,” Nikolić said.
The Mayor of the municipality, Boban Đurović, reminded those present that Vrnjačka Banja has had the honor of hosting numerous prestigious chess competitions in the past few years and is once again confirming its title as the “Queen of Chess.”
“This epithet is the result of a decade-long dedication to the development of chess and the organization of significant chess events, and each of them has further strengthened Vrnjačka Banja’s position as an important center of chess activities. Today’s championship continues that story. It is a great honor to host such an event, for which I am immensely grateful to the World Chess Federation, the Ministry of Sports, and the Chess Federation of Serbia, which is successfully led by a great friend of Vrnjačka Banja, Mr. Andrija Jorgić,” Đurović said.
In the end, Mr. Đurović and Mr. Jorgić symbolically made the first move, after which Chief Arbiter Nenad Dorić officially declared the competition open.
Photos: Chess Federation of Serbia / Nemanja Šipka
Official website: https://wcyrb.beochess.rs/