29 January 2026 11:39 (UTC+04:00)Laman Ismayilova Read moreThe qualifying rounds for the Azerbaijan Chess Championship for players aged 8 to 16 have officially kicked off, Azernews reports. Regional competitions are taking place in Shamakhi, Goranboy, Aghjabadi, Shamkir, Khachmaz, Lankaran, Goychay, Imishli, Gakh, and Shirvan. It is noted that the Baku city championships and the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic championship will begin in February. The competitions are being overseen by a panel of referees appointed by the Azerbaijan Chess Federation. Founded in 1926, the Azerbaijan Chess Federation (ACF) has played a pivotal role in shaping the country's strong chess tradition.