Russia's Largest Chess Festival Kicks Off in Nizhny Novgorod with 1,000 Players
Nizhny Novgorod Hosts Opening of 11th All-Russian Chess Festival "Minin and Pozharsky Cup – 2026"
On March 23, Nizhny Novgorod welcomed the opening ceremony of the 11th All-Russian Chess Festival, the Minin and Pozharsky Cup – 2026. The festival is taking place at the city's main sports venue, the Strelka Stadium, from March 20 to 30. Over these ten days, more than 1,000 players from 35 Russian regions will showcase their chess skills.
The opening ceremony brought together young athletes, seasoned chess players, and distinguished guests. The event is organized by the Nizhny Novgorod Regional Ministry of Sports and the Nizhny Novgorod Chess Federation, with support from the Russian Chess Federation and the Autonomous Nonprofit Organization Center for Sports Management and Development in the Nizhny Novgorod Region.
"The All-Russian Chess Festival 'Minin and Pozharsky Cup' in Nizhny Novgorod has taken on an entirely new scale and significance during Russia's Year of National Unity. Today, our city has become the nation's 'chess capital.' I extend my gratitude to the Ministry of Sports and the Nizhny Novgorod Chess Federation for their outstanding organization! This is a true celebration where anyone can compete at the board, cheer for their favorites, and learn something new. In this atmosphere, it becomes clear that chess is a great game and one of the most important sports of the 21st century. It builds character, teaches critical thinking, analysis, and the art of crafting a winning strategy. I am confident that the Nizhny Novgorod Chess Festival will be a highlight for all participants. I sincerely wish everyone the chance to elevate their skills and remember that even a loss is a step toward future success," emphasized Yevgeny Lyulin, Chairman of the Nizhny Novgorod Regional Legislative Assembly.
The festival's program includes a stage of the Russian Cup for boys and girls under 9, 11, and 13, as well as youths under 15; an open tournament for all comers; a stage of the Nizhny Novgorod Chess Federation (NNCF) Blitz Cup; the NNCF President's Rapid Chess Cup; a Fischer Random Chess tournament; a family tournament; and the NNCF President's Blitz Marathon.
"The Minin and Pozharsky Cup is a long-standing tradition that Nizhny Novgorod has proudly hosted for many years. Over these ten days, participants can look forward not only to an intense sports program but also to cultural events for guests from other regions. Our goal is to make this festival a true celebration, filled with bright emotions for both players and spectators. I wish all participants fascinating games, brilliant combinations, and well-deserved victories at the chessboard," said Dmitry Kabaylo, Minister of Sports of the Nizhny Novgorod Region.
The festival's reach continues to grow. Each year, more and more athletes join the tournament, fulfilling a key objective of Russia's state program Sport of Russia—promoting mass participation in sports.
As a reminder, in 2025, Russia launched the state program Development of Physical Culture and Sports (also known as Sport of Russia) on the instruction of President Vladimir Putin. The initiative consolidates the goals previously outlined in the federal project Sport as a Way of Life, part of the Demography national project. The program aims to create and improve conditions for physical activity, boost the popularity of mass sports, and enhance the quality of life and overall satisfaction of Russian citizens. Under its framework, the country plans to expand sports infrastructure, organize large-scale sporting events, and encourage public participation in the Ready for Labor and Defense (GTO) national fitness and sports program. Additionally, the initiative will continue to develop youth sports and expand opportunities for veterans of the special military operation to engage in athletic activities.
