The Galle District Chess Association (GDCA) has announced that it will organise the Galle District Colours Awards 2026, a prestigious ceremony dedicated to recognising and celebrating the outstanding chess achievements of players representing the Galle District. The Colours Awards stand as a hallmark of excellence in the district’s chess community, honouring the dedication, discipline, and competitive success of its players across every age group.
A Year of Achievement Under Review
The 2026 edition of the Colours Awards will consider chess achievements recorded during the period from 01 January 2025 to 31 December 2025. All applications submitted to the GDCA must relate to tournaments, ratings, and titles earned within this window. Players are encouraged to compile their results in advance and ensure that all supporting documentation is complete and accurate before submission.
Eligibility is open to players who, during the considered period, were either residing in the Galle District or attending a school located within the district. Age categories will be determined as at 31 December 2025, and each player may apply only under their respective age category. To maintain the integrity of the selection process, only officially recognised tournament results and FIDE published ratings will be taken into account.
Sixteen Categories Across Every Age Group
The Colours Awards 2026 will be presented across sixteen competitive categories, ensuring that players from the youngest novices to seasoned senior competitors are recognised for their accomplishments. The categories include Under 07, Under 09, Under 11, Under 13, Under 15, Under 17, and Under 20 — each contested in both Open and Girls’ divisions — together with Open Men and Open Women categories for senior players.
In addition to the competitive categories, a special Life-long Achievement Award will be conferred to recognise an individual whose exceptional and sustained contribution has shaped chess in the Galle District.
A Broad and Rigorous Selection Framework
The GDCA has adopted a comprehensive selection framework that draws on a wide spectrum of recognised competitions. Achievements at National Youth events, the National Cycle of championships (Novices, Majors, National B, and the National Chess Championship), Junior National events, the National Amateur Chess Championship, and the National Rapid and Blitz Championships will all be considered.
Performances at the Schools’ Chess Events — covering the Galle, Ambalangoda, Udugama, and Elpitiya zonals — as well as results from all three stages of the Galle District Chess Championship will likewise be weighed in the evaluation.
International performances are also recognised. Players who finish in the top five of major Asian, World, or Commonwealth events — including the Asian Youth, Asian Schools, Asian Junior, Western Asian, World Youth, World Junior, World Amateur, World Schools, and Commonwealth Chess Championships — will have those achievements counted toward their submission.
FIDE titles ranging from CM, WCM, AGM, AIM, AFM, and ACM through to FM, WFM, IM, WIM, GM, and WGM will be considered, and Standard, Rapid, and Blitz ratings will each be evaluated separately based on the highest rating the player achieved during the year.
A Celebration of the District’s Chess Community
The Colours Awards ceremony is more than an event of recognition — it is a celebration of the growing strength and depth of chess in the Galle District. By honouring achievement at every level, from emerging juniors to established national and international competitors, the GDCA continues its mission to nurture talent and inspire the next generation of players.
Players, parents, coaches, and schools across the Galle District are invited to prepare their submissions for the achievements recorded between 01 January 2025 and 31 December 2025. Further details regarding the application submission window, required documentation, and the ceremony date will be announced by the Galle District Chess Association in due course.
