P. T. Ummerkoya born on 1st July 1951 breathed his last in the midnight of 13 January 2020 at Kozhikode Kerala at his residence after a protracted illness.
Koya, a former Secretary General of All India Chess Federation, is survived by his wife and 3 children. He occupied AICF office as Joint Secretary and General Secretary between 1985-89 and 1989-2005 respectively for a total of 20 years.
Indian chess achieved glorious heights during his tenure. He was instrumental in establishing age category chess championships at National and worid level. He set standards in organization of chess Tournaments in India.
Himself a good player and Arbiter displayed fine administration skills. He was elected Vice President of world chess federation (FIDE), President of Commonwealth Chess Association and Chairman of youth committee of FIDE. He was Editor of official organ of AICF magazine AICF Forum for many years. In his death chess world has lost a patron of the game. All India Chess Federation deeply condoles his demise and pray his soul Rest In Peace.

Commonwealth Chess Championship – 2026 – 27 in Kaluthara, Sri Lanka from 16th to 26th May, 2026.
GM Suleymenov Alisher Clinches Title at the 1st Chola Chess International Grandmaster Round Robin Tournament 2026.
TENTATIVE NATIONAL CALENDAR FOR 2026-27
Round 3 : 1st Chola Chess International Grandmaster Norm Round Robin Tournament 2026, Chennai.
Day 2:1st Chola Chess International Grandmaster Norm Closed Circuit Chess Tournament, Chennai
Fide Arbiter Seminar in Pune 28 Feb -02 March 2026 & Thoothukudi 07-09 March 2026