The annual Pesta Sukan Xiangqi Competition 2026, organised by Sport Singapore, concluded successfully over the weekend of 18–19 July 2026, bringing together players from across generations in one of Singapore’s premier community sporting festivals.
The two-day event featured competitions across Under-9, Under-12 and Under-16 categories on Saturday (18 July), followed by the Under-21, Open and Veteran categories on Sunday (19 July). From enthusiastic young beginners to seasoned masters, the tournament showcased not only exceptional playing strength but also the continued growth of Singapore’s Xiangqi community.
A Promising Future for Singapore Xiangqi
The first day of competition highlighted the tremendous progress made by Singapore’s young Xiangqi talents. While medals were awarded to the top performers, many of the tournament’s most memorable moments came from the resilience and composure displayed by the participants.
One of the most dramatic encounters unfolded in the Under-16 category, where the championship race remained undecided until the very end. Both players entered severe time pressure, with only their final minute remaining on the clock, eventually sharing the point after a fiercely contested draw.
Equally impressive was a remarkable Under-12 endgame, where a young player calmly converted a difficult single rook versus two advisors and two advanced pawns (单车对双士双过河卒) position into victory despite having less than one minute remaining. The game demonstrated not only technical skill but also exceptional decision-making under pressure.
During the prize presentation ceremony, Singapore Xiangqi National Team player GM Alvin Woo Tsung Han—a 12-time Singapore National Champion, 2023 SEA Games Gold Medallist, and 2023 World Xiangqi Championship Men’s Team Champion—presented the prizes to the winners. His presence served as an inspiration to the next generation, reminding young players that world-class excellence can indeed be nurtured here in Singapore.
Chairman Dr Kong Jing Wen shared that while artificial intelligence continues to transform many aspects of society, qualities such as analytical thinking, resilience, and sound decision-making under uncertainty will remain invaluable. Xiangqi, he noted, develops precisely these attributes, ensuring its continued relevance in nurturing future generations.
Chairman Dr Kong Jing Wen
He also paid tribute to the many parents who patiently accompanied and supported their children throughout the competition, recognising that every young player’s journey is made possible through the quiet sacrifices and unwavering encouragement of their families.
High-Level Battles Across the Senior Categories
Sunday’s competitions saw the Under-21, Open and Veteran categories take centre stage, with many of Singapore’s strongest players competing in fiercely contested rounds.
Reflecting on the two-day tournament, Chairman Dr Kong Jing Wen remarked that the overall standard of Xiangqi in Singapore has continued to improve significantly. The quality of play, fighting spirit and sportsmanship displayed across all categories were a testament to the dedication of players, coaches and the wider Xiangqi community.
In his address, he encouraged participants with a simple yet meaningful message:
“While we all strive to make the best move on the Xiangqi board, may we also strive to make the best moves in life.”
The Open category once again demonstrated the depth of Singapore’s elite players, with GM Alvin Woo Tsung Han successfully defending his Open championship title through another outstanding performance.
The Under-21 championship was claimed by Jovan Wong, whose consistent play throughout the tournament earned him the top honours among Singapore’s emerging young adults.
One of the most inspiring stories of the weekend came from the Veteran category. Mr Lim Kwan How, Immediate Past President and Permanent Honorary President of the Singapore Xiangqi General Association, entered the tournament as its oldest participant. Defying age, he produced a flawless seven wins from seven games to capture the Veteran championship. During the prize presentation ceremony, participants and officials also surprised him by singing a birthday song in celebration of his upcoming birthday, creating one of the weekend’s most heartwarming moments.
His remarkable achievement served as a powerful reminder that passion, discipline and the pursuit of excellence know no age limit.
Podium Finish
U9 Category From left to right: Silver medallist Glen Bao Yifei, GM Alvin Woo, Gold medallist Chen Pinxi, Dr Kong Jing Wen, and Bronze medallist Lin Ziwei.
U12 Category From left to right: Silver medallist Guo Heyang, GM Alvin Woo, Gold medallist Daniel Raphael Lau, Dr Kong Jing Wen, and Bronze medallist Brian Ng Yi Kai.
U16 Category From left to right: Silver medallist Wu Yihan Charles, GM Alvin Woo, Gold medallist Zhang Qishuo, Dr Kong Jing Wen, and Bronze medallist Chiang Yin HongU21 Category From left to right: Silver medallist Zelig Yoo, Gold medallist Jovan Wong, Bronze medallist Li Junkai and Dr Kong Jing WenOpen Category From left to right: Silver medallist Lee Kwei Mean, Gold medallist GMAlvin Woo, Bronze medallist Chiu Wei Lin and Dr Kong Jing WenVeteran Category From left to right: Silver medallist Lim Cheng Chwee, Gold medallist Lim Kwan How, Bronze medallist Chin Min Kwong and Dr Kong Jing Wen
A Celebration of the Xiangqi Community
Beyond the results, Pesta Sukan 2026 was a celebration of Singapore’s vibrant Xiangqi community. Players of all ages came together to compete, learn and forge friendships through the game they love.
The Singapore Xiangqi General Association extends its heartfelt appreciation to Sport Singapore for organising this year’s Pesta Sukan, as well as to all the players, arbiters, volunteers, coaches, parents and supporters whose dedication made the event a resounding success.
Team Nila working behind the scenes to make the event a success
With the standard of play continuing to rise across every age group, the future of Singapore Xiangqi looks brighter than ever. SIXGA looks forward to building on this momentum and continuing to develop players from grassroots to elite levels, inspiring more Singaporeans to discover and enjoy the rich tradition of Xiangqi.
Note: The venue is at Bishan Clubhouse, 3 Bishan St 14, Singapore 579780, not at Bishan CC.
The Singapore Xiangqi General Association and SportSG are reintroducing Xiangqi to the Pesta Sukan sporting festival to celebrate Singapore’s 61st National Day. This individual tournament is open to all Singapore citizens, PRs, and valid pass holders.
Event Details
Dates: 18 July 2026 (U9, U12, U16) and 19 July 2026 (U21, Open, Veteran).
Venue: Bishan Sports Hall.
Reporting Time: 9:00 AM.
Registration Deadline: 30 June 2026.
Tournament Format
System: Swiss System, 7 rounds (tentative).
Time Control: 15 minutes per player with a 5-second increment per move.
Rules: Governed by World Xiangqi Rules.
Competition Categories
Category
Age Requirement
U9
Born in 2017 or later
U12
Born 2014 – 2016
U16
Born 2010 – 2013
U21
Born 2005 – 2009
Open
No age restriction
Veteran
Born in 1966 or earlier
Key Regulations
Prizes: Cash prizes and medals will be awarded to the top winners in each category by SportSG and the Singapore Xiangqi General Association.
Attire: Players must dress neatly. Singlets and slippers are prohibited. Only players under 12 or those in school uniforms may wear shorts.
Electronic Devices: Mobile phones and electronic devices are strictly prohibited and must be switched off. Using a phone during a match results in an immediate loss. +1
Conduct: No food, drink, smoking, or post-game analysis is allowed within the competition area. +1
For registration, please visit the official SportSG website or click on the button below.
On 27 June 2026, the Braddell Heights CSN Xiangqi Club successfully hosted the 3rd Braddell Heights Xiangqi Blitz Tournament 2026. The tournament received an overwhelming response, with registrations exceeding the venue’s capacity. Due to space constraints, several players were placed on a waiting list. A total of 60 participants eventually competed in the tournament, bringing together Xiangqi enthusiasts from all walks of life for a day of exciting competition and camaraderie.
The tournament was played over 9 Swiss rounds under blitz time controls. Throughout the day, players demonstrated quick thinking, tactical precision and fighting spirit, creating many thrilling encounters across the playing hall.
After nine hard-fought rounds, the final standings were:
🥇 Champion: Lim Chau Sian 🥈 Runner-up: Choo Yong Kiat Allen 🥉 2nd Runner-up: Tai Boon Xiang
Champion: Dr Lim Chau Sian Prize presentation by Mr Louis SiaRunner-up: Choo Yong Kiat Allen Prize presentation by Mr Louis Sia 2nd Runner-up: Tai Boon Xiang Prize presentation by Mr Louis Sia
Congratulations to all prize winners, and our sincere appreciation goes to every participant for contributing to another successful edition of the tournament.
Now into its third year, the Braddell Heights Xiangqi Blitz Tournament has grown into a regular community event that brings together experienced players, young talents and Xiangqi enthusiasts in a friendly yet competitive environment.
The organising committee would like to thank all volunteers, officials, community partners and participants for their invaluable support. We look forward to welcoming everyone back for the 4th Braddell Heights Xiangqi Blitz Tournament next year.
The overwhelming response reflects the growing enthusiasm for Xiangqi within the community. The organising committee will explore opportunities to expand future editions so that even more players can take part in the years to come.
Kembangan Xiang Qi Tournament 2026 · 2026年7月4日 · Kampong Ubi Community Centre
2026年7月4日(星期六),2026年景万岸象棋锦标赛(Kembangan Xiang Qi Tournament 2026)在甘榜乌美民众俱乐部(Kampong Ubi Community Centre)多功能礼堂顺利举行。这项赛事由一位热心的青少年棋手家长发起,是一场自下而上的基层社区活动,充分展现了社区自发推动象棋发展的力量。赛事共吸引了 58名棋手 报名参赛,从上午九时鏖战至傍晚,全场七轮,气氛热烈。
Guest of honour Kembangan CCC Vice-chairperson Tricia Soh Meng Hong, PBM gave out prizes to the winners.
Champion DU heng1st Runner-up WONG Kang Quan Jovan2nd Runner-up TAY Cheng See4th Place CHOO Yong Kiat Allen5th Place CHAN Fook Chuen6th Place CHUA Chun Kiat 7th Place Denson KWEK8th Place SOONG Soon Fah9th Place TAN Jing Rui10th Place YEO Yuen KongOpen Category Winner Group Photo
U14 Category Winners:
Guest of honour Dr Kong Jing Wen, President of Singapore Xiangqi General Association (SIXGA) gave out prizes to the winners.
Champion ZHU Yuduo1st Runner-up GUO Heyang2nd Runner-up Daniel Raphael LAU4th Place Kyler SEAH Jwee Guan5th Place Kenji TAN Kai Joon6th Place Darryl NG Guan Rui7th Place Zyler KWEK8th Place NG Yi Kai BrianU14 Category Winner Group Photo
U10 Category Winners:
Guest of honour Dr Kong Jing Wen, President of Singapore Xiangqi General Association (SIXGA) gave out prizes to the winners.
Champion Glen BAO Yifei1st Runner-up ZHANG Xingzhi2nd Runner-up GOH Zhi Xian Jared4th Place CHIEW BO YI5th Place TANG Yi San6th Place TAN Jing Jie Ethan7th Place KWEE Shin Yee8th Place Damien NG Jun ZheU12 Category Winner Group Photo
Kembangan Xiang Qi Tournament 2026 · Kampong Ubi Community Centre Multi Purpose Hall, 10 Jalan Ubi (S)409075 裁判长:翁文龙 · 编排长:刘育铭