The Region 5 Chess Championships for male and female students of Iranian universities and higher education institutions were hosted by the University of Kurdistan on July 24 and 25, 2026. The tournament featured individual competitions in Blitz and Rapid formats, as well as a team competition in the Classical format, with participants from the University of Kurdistan, Razi University (Kermanshah), Farhangian University (Lorestan), and Farhangian University (Ilam).

In the women's division, the University of Kurdistan team secured first place. In the individual categories, Ms. Zhina Pouyandeh claimed first place in both the Rapid and Blitz formats, while Ms. Kani Hesami earned third place in the Blitz format.

The female team members included:

• Zhina Pouyandeh, Kani Hesami, Soha Zarpoosh, and Tina Vakili, under the coaching of Ms. Asra Ahmadyari.

In the men's division, the university team achieved second place overall. In the individual Rapid format, Mr. Raef Zand Karimi secured first place and Mr. Mobin Fathian took second place. In the Blitz format, Mr. Mobin Fathian won first place and Mr. Mohammad Parsa Oveisi secured third place.

The male team members included:

• Raef Zand Karimi, Mobin Fathian, Mohammad Parsa Oveisi, and Mahan Manavi, under the coaching of Mr. Heyman Fathi.

It is noteworthy that the first-place winners have officially qualified for the 17th National Student Olympiad.