2nd Morde Foundation All India Open Rapid Rating Chess Tournament 2026 all set to take place in Manchar with a prize fund of 4,00,000
The 2nd edition of the Morde Foundation All India Open is taking place at Manchar, Pune on 4th January 2026. It is a 1-day Rapid tournament with several strong players taking part - the total prize fund of the tournament is Rs. 4,00,000. In this article, we share all the information about the tournament and the amazing work done by the main organizer of the event, Mr. Harshal Morde. Find the registration link in the article if you want to be a part of this tournament!
Bringing Chess to the Heart of Maharashtra: Harshal Morde and the growing chess movement in Manchar
Indian chess has always grown through the quiet commitment of people who believe in the game beyond medals and ratings. While elite events grab headlines, it is grassroots efforts that truly sustain the ecosystem. One such effort is unfolding in Manchar, in Ambegaon District, driven by the vision and commitment of Mr Harshal Morde.
Register for the 2nd Morde Foundation All India Open Rapid Rating Chess tournament 2026
A sports enthusiast at heart and a philanthropist by action, Mr Harshal Morde is steadily building a strong chess culture in the region through the initiatives of the Morde Foundation. On 4th January 2026, the Foundation will organize the 2nd Morde Foundation All India Open FIDE Rapid Rating Chess Tournament, carrying a prize fund of ₹4,00,000 - a 15% increase from the ₹3,50,000 prize pool of last years edition.
From the first edition to a stronger second edition:
The first edition of the Morde Foundation All India Open was held in 26th February, 2025 and received an encouraging response from players across Maharashtra and beyond. It established Manchar as a serious chess venue and showed that quality events do not need to be restricted to metro cities.
The Champion of the first edition, GM Mitrabha Guha
The lighting of the lamp for the inaugural ceremony of the first edition!
The ceremonial move of the tournament!
A nice group photo of the organizers, chief guest, and top seeded players of the 1st edition!
Rk. | SNo |
| Name | Typ | sex | FED | RtgI | Club/City | Pts. | TB1 | TB2 | TB3 | TB4 | TB5 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 | GM | 2476 | WB | 8 | 55 | 60,5 | 52,5 | 0 | 7 | |||||
2 | 1 | GM | 2538 | MH | 8 | 54,5 | 58,5 | 51 | 0 | 7 | |||||
3 | 6 | IM | 2300 | WB | 8 | 51,5 | 56,5 | 49,5 | 0 | 7 | |||||
4 | 8 | FM | 2225 | MH | 7,5 | 53 | 58 | 46,75 | 0 | 7 | |||||
5 | 19 | FM | 1918 | MH | 7,5 | 47,5 | 51,5 | 41,75 | 0 | 7 | |||||
6 | 4 | FM | 2316 | MH | 7 | 55 | 60 | 44 | 0 | 7 | |||||
7 | 5 | IM | 2303 | TG | 7 | 53,5 | 58 | 42 | 0 | 7 | |||||
8 | 9 | IM | 2197 | MH | 7 | 53 | 57 | 41,5 | 0 | 6 | |||||
9 | 40 | U15 | 1719 | MH | 7 | 49,5 | 54,5 | 41 | 0 | 7 | |||||
10 | 18 | U11 | 1945 | MH | 7 | 48,5 | 52,5 | 38,75 | 0 | 6 |
The complete final standings of the 1st edition
The wonderful venue of the 2nd Morde Foundation All India Open Rapid Rating Chess Tournament 2026 - Jeevan Mangal Karyalaya, Manchar!
The 2nd Morde Foundation All India Open Rapid Rating Chess Tournament 2026 will be held on 4th January 2026. The event will be held under the aegis of FIDE, AICF, MCA, and PDCC. With a ₹4 lakh prize fund, it is now one of the more attractive rapid events in the region. The structure is inclusive, covering open prizes, rating categories, age groups, women, veterans, and special regional prizes, ensuring that players at every level find motivation to compete. Register for the tournament now:
The complete prize structure of the tournament
Time control - 10 minutes with 5 seconds of increment starting from move one
No. of rounds - 9
Starting time - The 1st round starts at 10:30 AM, 4th January 2026. Players are requested to reach the venue by 9:30 AM for the opening ceremony and players meeting.
Ending time - 4:15 PM, 4th January 2026.
Entry Fee - Rs. 1600 - the late fee has been waived off by the organizers.
Tournament director - Mr. Harshal Morde
Tournament mentor - GM Abhijit Kunte
Contact no. for Technical queries - IA Deepti Shidore - +91 9604737183
Transport services will be available for players from Pune - fill out this google form for all the details. Free lunch for all players, a professionally managed playing hall, experienced arbiters, and clear regulations further underline the organizers intent to deliver a player first experience.
The rules and regulations of the event
The complete tournament brochure
List of players enrolled till now:
No. | Name | ID | FideID | FED | Rtg | sex | Typ | Gr | Club/City | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | GM | 2061742023 | IND | 2537 | PO12301_PUNE_20 | |||||
2 | GM | 47552021 | IND | 2453 | NA | |||||
3 | IM | 996252021 | IND | 2300 | PO1194_THAN_202 | |||||
4 | IM | 64182021 | IND | 2288 | NA | |||||
5 | IM | 329822021 | IND | 2278 | PO12612_PUNE_20 | |||||
6 | FM | 905952021 | IND | 2235 | PO7056_THAN_202 | |||||
7 | IM | 161732021 | IND | 2199 | PO6790_THAN_202 | |||||
8 | FM | 1813812023 | IND | 2198 | PO283_NASH_2023 | |||||
9 | FM | 162642021 | IND | 2120 | PO1824_NAGP_202 | |||||
10 | WIM | 156332021 | IND | 2099 | w | PO9440_PUNE_202 | ||||
11 | FM | 846692021 | IND | 2004 | PO2042_PUNE_202 | |||||
12 | 894632021 | IND | 1977 | PO12087_PUNE_20 | ||||||
13 | 255912021 | IND | 1941 | PO8140_PUNE_202 | ||||||
14 | 343742021 | IND | 1922 | PO1207_PUNE_202 | ||||||
15 | 468492021 | IND | 1915 | PO12118_PUNE_20 |
Tournament Lichess Broadcast link
Official Instagram page for the tournament
About the organizer, Harshal Morde
Morde Foods Pvt Ltd, established in 1983 by Mr. Chandrakant Morde and now run by his elder son Harshal Morde, is a leading manufacturer of cocoa and chocolate products in India. Initially a small-scale unit, it has grown into one of the largest manufacturing units in the country.
Harshal Morde, has supported sports development in India for over five years through sustainable philanthropy. Via the Lakshya initiative, he backs select athletes in individual sports by funding essential gaps such as training support, equipment, and travel. His work extends beyond elite sport to grassroots initiatives, particularly youth chess programs in Ambegaon, Khed, and Junnar. He has supported athletes and individuals using sport for rehabilitation and inclusion, including a Paralympic shooter and endurance runners!
Register for the tournament now
This article was edited by Himank Ghosh