Timur Turlov’s Column
April 2026 Highlights
April has clearly shown that any discussion, in my view, is a healthy sign that people truly care about chess. Still, reaching a compromise on every single aspect of the sport’s development is likely impossible.
Our chess world is incredibly multifaceted, filled with a vast number of talented young players, coaches, and managers. It is hardly surprising that everyone has their own vision of the “right” moves. That is completely natural.
To my mind, what matters far more is that we keep moving forward and achieving results together as a country. April answered that question better than any debate ever could: 21 medals from the World Youth Rapid and Blitz Championship in Serbia, alongside the Continental Stage of the World School Team Championship in Almaty, confirmed the level we have reached.
I will delve into those events first, before sharing what lies ahead in May – which we at the Federation are currently preparing for with hardly a day off.
Our chess world is incredibly multifaceted, filled with a vast number of talented young players, coaches, and managers. It is hardly surprising that everyone has their own vision of the “right” moves. That is completely natural.
To my mind, what matters far more is that we keep moving forward and achieving results together as a country. April answered that question better than any debate ever could: 21 medals from the World Youth Rapid and Blitz Championship in Serbia, alongside the Continental Stage of the World School Team Championship in Almaty, confirmed the level we have reached.
I will delve into those events first, before sharing what lies ahead in May – which we at the Federation are currently preparing for with hardly a day off.
The tournament in Serbia, where our chess players delivered a truly champion performance, is significant for two key reasons.
First, it is a youth competition. While obvious to those within the chess ecosystem, it is worth emphasizing: these young players form the new core of Kazakhstan’s competitive chess. Tomorrow, it is they who will be battling for top honors in adult competitions, and, ultimately, for the chess crown itself.
Second, our momentum as a nation is remarkable. This year, Kazakhstani players brought home 21 medals. Even those far removed from chess can recognize that this is an extraordinary tally. But let the numbers speak for themselves: in 2025, Kazakhstan claimed 14 medals, and in 2023, just 7.
Does this prove that our youth development system is finally working? I will leave that for you to judge.
This year, gold in rapid was claimed by Aslan Endibayev, Adelina Nurkhankyzy, Ramazan Tulegen, Elnaz Kaliakhmet, and Aldiyar Ansat. In blitz, the titles went to Venera Zhakisheva, Alisha Bissaliyeva, Aldiyar Zharas, and Zarina Nurgaliyeva. Our national team placed first in the overall standings among 40 countries, bringing home nine world champions and a strong chance of setting a new all-time medal record for Kazakhstan by the end of the year.
First, it is a youth competition. While obvious to those within the chess ecosystem, it is worth emphasizing: these young players form the new core of Kazakhstan’s competitive chess. Tomorrow, it is they who will be battling for top honors in adult competitions, and, ultimately, for the chess crown itself.
Second, our momentum as a nation is remarkable. This year, Kazakhstani players brought home 21 medals. Even those far removed from chess can recognize that this is an extraordinary tally. But let the numbers speak for themselves: in 2025, Kazakhstan claimed 14 medals, and in 2023, just 7.
Does this prove that our youth development system is finally working? I will leave that for you to judge.
This year, gold in rapid was claimed by Aslan Endibayev, Adelina Nurkhankyzy, Ramazan Tulegen, Elnaz Kaliakhmet, and Aldiyar Ansat. In blitz, the titles went to Venera Zhakisheva, Alisha Bissaliyeva, Aldiyar Zharas, and Zarina Nurgaliyeva. Our national team placed first in the overall standings among 40 countries, bringing home nine world champions and a strong chance of setting a new all-time medal record for Kazakhstan by the end of the year.
Now, turning to the World School Team Championship stage in Almaty, organized by the International School Chess Federation (ISCF).
Over the past three years, we have put a great deal of effort into school chess because – and here I completely agree with my colleagues – it perfectly complements our national education system.
That is one aspect. On the other hand, we also have our own clear objective: by drawing promising young talents into the chess ecosystem at such an early stage, we lay the very foundation of our sport – a foundation without which dreaming of great achievements makes little sense.
That is why the tournament, brought to Kazakhstan by the ISCF with the support of our colleagues at the KCF, the Ministry of Sports, and the Almaty Akimat, served several purposes at once.
It kicked off an entirely new global cycle for FIDE and the ISCF in school chess. We hosted the strongest teams from across the Asian region – from India, China, and Uzbekistan to Singapore, Malaysia, and Australia – all representing regular general education schools. These young players gained invaluable competitive experience, a clear benchmark, and the motivation to reach even higher.
Over the past three years, we have put a great deal of effort into school chess because – and here I completely agree with my colleagues – it perfectly complements our national education system.
That is one aspect. On the other hand, we also have our own clear objective: by drawing promising young talents into the chess ecosystem at such an early stage, we lay the very foundation of our sport – a foundation without which dreaming of great achievements makes little sense.
That is why the tournament, brought to Kazakhstan by the ISCF with the support of our colleagues at the KCF, the Ministry of Sports, and the Almaty Akimat, served several purposes at once.
It kicked off an entirely new global cycle for FIDE and the ISCF in school chess. We hosted the strongest teams from across the Asian region – from India, China, and Uzbekistan to Singapore, Malaysia, and Australia – all representing regular general education schools. These young players gained invaluable competitive experience, a clear benchmark, and the motivation to reach even higher.
Beyond the playing venue, the children discovered our country through joint training sessions with QJ League footballers, the traditional game of Asyq Atu, and classic steppe sweets. More importantly, throughout the tournament, genuine friendships blossomed among many of the young players. That initself is invaluable.
Teachers and parents were equally involved. They had their own dedicated program – educational sessions focused on the practical aspects of chess instruction. The sessions were open and informal, without barriers, yet they produced concrete conclusions and plans for the future development of the field.
Taken together, all of this creates the very gravitational pull that school chess needs today, not only in Kazakhstan, but worldwide. Today, we stand as one of the hubs of this global intellectual movement, one that I am confident will yield impressive results.
As a welcome bonus, Kazakhstan has once again demonstrated to the world its ability to host guests and deliver chess events at the highest international standard. This is another solid contribution to our reputation with FIDE and the ISCF – one that will help us earn the right to host more major tournaments in the future.
As a welcome bonus, Kazakhstan has once again demonstrated to the world its ability to host guests and deliver chess events at the highest international standard. This is another solid contribution to our reputation with FIDE and the ISCF – one that will help us earn the right to host more major tournaments in the future.
In fact, I am deeply grateful that the event was attended by FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich and Minister of Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan Zhuldyz Suleimenova. We share the understanding that school chess significantly strengthens both education and chess itself. That is why it is truly gratifying to be working on its development together.
I would like to extend my gratitude to our colleagues at the ISCF for this fantastic celebration of chess and their hard work. The ISCF is a young, agile organization, yet it is currently driving the global agenda for school chess. That is truly inspiring.
Dear friends, I believe that whenever we discuss the development of chess, we must always consider the broader context of this vast and multifaceted game. It simply cannot be measured by a single metric – that is physically impossible.
Therefore, debate over details is, in principle, completely natural, but we must never lose sight of why we are building the chess ecosystem in Kazakhstan in the first place.
Therefore, debate over details is, in principle, completely natural, but we must never lose sight of why we are building the chess ecosystem in Kazakhstan in the first place.
Timur Turlov
President of the Kazakhstan Chess Federation
President of the Kazakhstan Chess Federation