The success story of young champions, strategic initiatives of the Kazakhstan Chess Federation, and the prospects for the development of chess in the country — in the DKnews.kz article.
On November 29, 2024, in Almaty, a press breakfast was held with young chess champions, organized by the Kazakhstan Chess Federation (KazChess). The event brought together journalists, parents, coaches, federation leaders, and the winners of the recent Cadet World Championship held in Montesilvano, Italy.
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This day became a significant event for the chess community in Kazakhstan, showcasing not only the high level of Kazakh chess but also the ambitious vision for the future.
Stars Lighting Up the Chess Olympus
The main heroes of the event were the gold medalists of the World Championship, Alanna Berikkazy (under 10 years old) and Mark Smirnov (under 12 years old). These names have already become symbols of great hope and national pride.
Alanna Berikkazy shared that she was determined to win from the very beginning:
"I knew I had to play with maximum focus. It was crucial to stay concentrated and maintain composure throughout the tournament. I aimed to hold my leadership position, and this gave me extra confidence," said the young champion.
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Her father, Berik Bazarbayev, noted that Alanna has big plans, including achieving the title of Women's Grandmaster before the age of 16. It's worth mentioning that this is not her first victory: last year, she became the world champion in the under-9 category in Greece.
Mark Smirnov, inspired by the games of Magnus Carlsen, also shared his emotions:
"I admire Magnus’s confident and strategically precise style. During the tournament, I focused on my coach’s advice, concentrated before each game, and believed in myself. This helped me score 10 out of 11 possible points," said Mark.
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His final match was decisive: while a draw would have secured the championship, Mark chose a more daring approach and claimed a brilliant victory.
The federation's president, Timur Turlov, personally congratulated the young champions and offered his words of support:
"Despite your young age, you have demonstrated incredible resilience and skill. We are proud of you and will continue to support your future victories," said Turlov.
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He also highlighted the achievement of 12-year-old Khanzada Amanzhol, who won a silver medal, narrowly missing the gold based on additional criteria.
A Record-Breaking Year for Kazakh Chess
The Kazakhstan Chess Federation is ending 2024 on a high note. Young players continue to amaze, and the national chess team is showing outstanding results on the international stage.
At the World Championship in Montesilvano, Kazakhstan's team ranked first among 77 countries, surpassing strong competitors like India and China. This success reflects years of systematic work and strategic investment in chess.
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The federation's executive director, Gulmira Dauletova, emphasized the importance of such achievements:
"These results are the outcome of comprehensive talent support programs, the development of coaching schools, and attention to each player. We see chess becoming a national sport and pride of Kazakhstan" Gulmira Dauletova
In 2024, Kazakh chess players won a record-breaking 123 medals at international tournaments, including a historic silver at the World Chess Olympiad in Budapest. The Kazakhstan women's team, led by Bibisara Assaubayeva, finished second, only behind India - a landmark achievement.
Additionally, this year Kazakhstan welcomed two new Grandmasters - Ramazan Zhalmakhanov and Kazybek Nogerbai - as well as three female Grandmasters.
Investing in Education and Promoting Chess
One of KazChess's key strategic initiatives is the "Chess in Education" program, aimed at developing logical thinking and strategic skills among schoolchildren.
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Currently:
- The "Chess Basics" program has been implemented in 550 schools for first graders, with a pilot project for second graders underway in 42 schools.
- More than 700 teachers have undergone free training, including online courses and professional development programs.
- A Minor "Chess Educator" program is set to launch in universities in the 2025-2026 academic year.
"Our goal is to make chess accessible to every child in the country. It’s not just a game; it’s a tool that develops critical thinking, teaches planning, and helps unlock children’s potential," emphasized Dauletova.
Hosting World-Class Tournaments
An essential part of the federation's work is organizing major tournaments. In 2024, KazChess successfully hosted:
- The Asian Youth Championship in Almaty, which brought together 650 athletes from 34 countries. Kazakhstan won a record 25 medals, including 12 golds.
- The World Team Championship in Rapid and Blitz in Astana, featuring top chess players like Magnus Carlsen, Hou Yifan, Ju Wenjun, and Ding Liren.
Talent Support Program
The program for supporting young chess players includes 45 children who receive financial assistance, opportunities to work with coaches, and participation in international tournaments.
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The federation’s general partner, Freedom Holding Corp., plays a significant role in funding these initiatives.
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"A systematic approach to sports development is key to achieving long-term results. We are seeing the fruits of our labor, which motivates us to aim for even greater goals," said Timur Turlov.
Chess: Kazakhstan’s Pride
The success stories of Alanna Berikkazy, Mark Smirnov, Bibisara Assaubayeva, and other Kazakh chess players inspire the next generation and make chess an integral part of the country’s cultural heritage.
Every victory is a step toward establishing Kazakhstan as a world-class chess powerhouse. The nation is confidently moving forward, developing sports, education, and international collaboration.
"Our mission is to continue this work and open new horizons for our athletes," concluded Gulmira Dauletova.
Kazakhstan’s chess success story is not just about victories on the board; it is an example of how strategy, support, and passion can shape the future of a country.
