The Malaysian Chess Federation has opened registration for the National Youth Chess Championship 2026, set for February 7 and 8 at Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS in Perak. The event features seven rounds with a 30-minute-plus-30-seconds time control and caters to players in age groups from under-8 to under-18. Champions will earn opportunities to represent Malaysia in regional and international competitions.
The National Youth Chess Championship 2026 (NYCC26) returns to the Chancellor Hall at Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS in Seri Iskandar, Perak, on February 7 and 8. Organized by the Malaysian Chess Federation (MCF), this year's edition adopts a seven-round format to accommodate a busy 2026 calendar, which includes over 10 national events, two international ones, and preparations for SUKMA and the Olympiad. The reduced schedule from previous years aims to make participation easier for families, minimizing time away from work or school, especially with the event preceding the Chinese New Year celebrations.
Players will compete in age-specific categories: under-18, under-16, under-14, under-12, under-10, and under-8, divided into open/boys and girls sections. Girls may opt to play in the open category against boys, subject to approval by the chief arbiter and tournament director, but advancing to a higher age group is not permitted to avoid complications in international representations. The time control remains at 30 minutes plus 30 seconds per player.
No cash prizes are offered, but top performers will receive gold, silver, bronze, and achievement medals for the top 10 in each category, along with e-certificates. All participants get e-certificates of participation. Winners in each age group gain priority to represent Malaysia at ASEAN and Asian events, and potentially international and world championships.
Registration is limited to 128 players per category, with a fee of RM65 regardless of age or rating. A valid MCF ID is required as it is an MCF-rated event, while a FIDE ID is optional. Entries close on February 1, 2026, or when slots fill. Organizers may adjust rounds—adding an eighth for oversubscribed groups or reducing to at least six for low turnout—and could merge categories by gender or age if needed, with details announced at the players' briefing. Interested parties must review the rules and regulations before registering via the provided link.
