The XI All-Russian Chess Festival "Minin and Pozharsky Cup 2026" is taking place in Nizhny Novgorod.

      March 24, 2026 10:16 Sports On March 23, the opening ceremony of the XI All-Russian Chess Festival "Minin and Pozharsky Cup – 2026" took place in Nizhny Novgorod. The festival is held at the city's main sports arena - the stadium at Strelka - from March 20 to 30. During this time, more than 1,000 people from 35 regions of Russia will demonstrate their chess skills.

      The opening ceremony of the All-Russian Chess Festival was attended by young athletes, adult chess players, and honored guests. The festival is organized by the Ministry of Sports of the Nizhny Novgorod Region, the Chess Federation of the Nizhny Novgorod Region with the support of the Chess Federation of Russia and the Autonomous Non-Profit Organization "Center for Management and Development of Sports in the Nizhny Novgorod Region."

      "The All-Russian Chess Festival 'Minin and Pozharsky Cup' in Nizhny Novgorod has acquired a completely new scale and scope in the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia. Today, it is the 'chess capital' of Russia. Thank you to the Ministry of Sports and the Chess Federation of the Nizhny Novgorod Region for the excellent organization! This is a real celebration where everyone can compete at the chessboard, cheer for their favorites, and learn something new. In this atmosphere, you understand that chess is a great game and one of the main sports of the 21st century. It develops character, teaches you to think, analyze, and build a winning strategy. I am sure that the Nizhny Novgorod Chess Festival will be a bright event for all its participants. I sincerely wish everyone to improve their skill level and always remember that even a loss is a step towards future success," emphasized the Chairman of the Legislative Assembly of the Nizhny Novgorod Region, Yevgeny Lyulin.

      The festival program includes a stage of the Russian Cup for boys and girls under 9, 11, 13 years old, and for young men and women under 15, an open tournament for everyone, a stage of the Nizhny Novgorod Chess Federation (FShNO) Blitz Cup, a stage of the FShNO President's Cup for rapid chess, a Fischer chess tournament, a family tournament, and the FShNO President's Cup (blitz marathon).

      "The Minin and Pozharsky Cup" is a traditional festival that has been hosted by Nizhny Novgorod for many years. During these ten days, participants will enjoy not only a rich sports program but also a cultural part for guests from other regions. We strive to make this event a true celebration that will bring bright emotions to both athletes and fans. I wish all participants interesting games, brilliant combinations, and well-deserved victories at the chessboard," noted the Minister of Sports of the Nizhny Novgorod Region, Dmitry Kabailo.

      The geography of the festival is extensive. Every year, more and more athletes join the tournament, fulfilling one of the main tasks of the state program "Sports of Russia" to promote mass sports.

      Let us remind you that starting in 2025, by the order of President Vladimir Putin, the state program "Development of Physical Culture and Sports" (the state program "Sports of Russia") began to operate, which fulfills the tasks previously provided in the federal project "Sport is a Way of Life" of the national project "Demography." The state program "Sports of Russia" is aimed at creating and improving conditions for physical activity, promoting mass sports, and enhancing the quality of life and satisfaction of Russians. It is planned to expand sports infrastructure, hold mass sports events, and encourage residents to participate in the All-Russian Physical Culture and Sports Complex "Ready for Labor and Defense." The development of children's sports will continue in the country, and opportunities for sports activities for veterans of the SVO will be expanded.

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