Kazakhstani Chess Players Triumph at 26th Asian Youth Chess Championship
Almaty, The Gulf Observer: Kazakhstani chess players achieved outstanding success at the 26th Asian Youth Chess Championship, securing a total of 25 medals, including 12 golds. The Kazakhstan Chess Federation reported this remarkable achievement, highlighting the country’s growing prominence in the world of chess.
The championship, which took place from June 10 to 20 at the Baluan Sholak Sports Palace, attracted a record number of participants. Nearly 650 chess players, aged 7 to 18, from 33 countries gathered in Kazakhstan to compete in classic, rapid, and blitz formats. The large-scale event was organized by the Kazakhstan Chess Federation (KazChess) with the support of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports of Kazakhstan, the Asian Chess Federation, the Almaty Mayor’s Office, and the Kazakhstan Tennis Federation. Freedom Holding Corp was the general partner of the event.
The closing ceremony was attended by several notable figures, including Timur Turlov, President of the Kazakhstan Chess Federation; Beibut Shakhanov, Deputy Mayor of Almaty; Hisham Al Taher, Secretary General of the Asian Chess Federation; and Viktor Bologan, Executive Director of FIDE. The event was a celebration of talent and hard work, culminating in the recognition of Kazakhstan’s exceptional young chess players.
In addition to Kazakhstan’s impressive medal haul—12 gold, 8 silver, and 5 bronze medals—five other countries also celebrated their victories: India (5 medals), Iran (3 medals), Vietnam (2 medals), China (1 medal), and Kyrgyzstan (1 medal).
A special highlight of the ceremony was the honoring of Kazakhstan’s newly crowned U20 world champion, Kazybek Nogerbek. KazChess President Timur Turlov presented Nogerbek with the keys to an electric car, congratulating him on his remarkable victory and acknowledging his significant contribution to the development of chess in Kazakhstan.
The success of the 26th Asian Youth Chess Championship not only showcases the talents of young Kazakhstani chess players but also underscores the country’s dedication to nurturing and promoting the game of chess. This event has opened a new chapter in the history of Kazakh chess, setting the stage for future achievements on the international stage.
