Dubai, UAE — Sept. 2026 — Chess enthusiasts across Bahrain have something to look forward to this week, as the Bahrain Prathibha Grandmasters Cup – Season 1 is set to take place on September 11, 2026.
According to a press release, the international tournament is being jointly organized by the Bahrain Prathibha Manama Zonal Committee, the Bahrain Chess Federation, and Arjun’s Chess Academy.
The event will be held at the Yousif Ahmed Abdulmalik Hall in Galali and will draw players from multiple countries, with participation open to those registered with the International Chess Federation and holding valid FIDE IDs.
Competition will be conducted in the Rapid format, spread across seven rounds, with attractive prizes on offer across various categories. Organizers say the tournament is designed to promote chess in Bahrain, offer players a competitive platform, and help identify and nurture emerging talent, especially among younger players.
Speaking on the initiative, officials from Bahrain Prathibha said the tournament reflects the organization’s ongoing commitment to popularizing chess and boosting participation in the sport, with a particular focus on youth engagement.
Representatives of the Bahrain Chess Federation, for their part, lauded Bahrain Prathibha’s efforts to promote the game and pledged their continued support for the tournament as well as future initiatives.
The tournament was formally announced at a press conference held at the Prathibha Centre. Among those present were Bahrain Chess Federation Treasurer Redha Fathima, Organizing Committee Chairman N. V. Livin Kumar, Convener Manoj Paul, Arjun’s Chess Academy Director Arjun, Prathibha Manama Zonal Secretary Rajesh Attachery, President Nubin Ansari, and Joint Convenor Hridhya Renjith, among other dignitaries.
Organizers voiced confidence that the Bahrain Prathibha Grandmasters Cup – Season 1 will play a meaningful role in strengthening chess culture in the country, offering an exciting platform for players of different age groups and backgrounds to display their skills.
