In Alexandria, Virginia, the FIDE World Schools Team Championship 2025 ended in triumph for Kazakhstan, DKNews.kz reports. The team from the Republican Physics and Mathematics School (RPMS), Almaty claimed the silver medal, while individual brilliance also lit up the event: Imangali Akhilbay won gold, and Edgar Mamedov and Zarina Nurgaliyeva each took home bronze.
But let’s start from the beginning.
New Format – Fierce Competition
Held near Washington, D.C., this year's WSTC brought together 55 teams from 48 countries. Unlike the previous edition in 2023 in Aktau, Kazakhstan, there were no age categories this time. Teams no longer had to include girls or 12-year-olds – selection was based solely on skill.
The result? Intense battles. The level of competition was sky-high. And Kazakhstan sent six teams – all of which showed resilience, strategy, and class.
The Decisive Moments – Rounds 7 and 8
Round 7 started unusually early – at 10:00 a.m. local time (7:00 p.m. Astana time). The spotlight was on whether SEED Educational Complex (Astana) could stop the Indian powerhouse, Velammal MHS School (Chennai). Unfortunately, the score was ½–3½. However, Danis Kuandykuly (2156) held the Indian team’s top player, Aswath S. (2369), to a draw – a strong individual performance.
Meanwhile, two other Kazakh teams secured crucial wins:
- RPMS (Almaty) crushed Wellington College (New Zealand) – 4–0
- RPMS-2 (Astana) beat Gymnázium, Grösslingová 18 (Slovakia) – 2½–1½
Elsewhere, three key matches between top teams ended in 2–2 draws – keeping the medal race wide open.
Gold Decided Early – But Silver Was Up for Grabs
Velammal MHS School secured the world championship one round early – their 14 team points made them untouchable.
But the fight for silver and bronze was just heating up. Seven teams, including three from Kazakhstan, were in contention going into the final round.
Silver for Almaty – SEED Just Misses the Podium
In Round 8, the Kazakh teams delivered a stellar performance:
- RPMS (Almaty) crushed Istanbul Erkek High School (Turkey) – 4–0
- RPMS-2 overcame Royal College (Sri Lanka) – 2½–1½
- Velammal narrowly defeated Wisdom (Uzbekistan) – 2½–1½
All eyes then turned to the decisive match: SEED vs. The Harker School (USA). If SEED won – Kazakhstan would sweep the podium. If the Americans won – they’d take silver. In the end, it was a 2–2 draw.
Result: Silver goes to Almaty, and SEED settles for 8th.
Final Standings – Top 8 Teams
- Velammal MHS School (India) – 16 points
- RPMS (Almaty) – 12
- The Harker School (USA) – 12
- RPMS-2 (Astana) – 12
- University High School (USA) – 11
- Royal College (Sri Lanka) – 11
- Lyceum “Photon” (Armenia) – 11
- SEED Educational Complex (Astana) – 11
Other Kazakh teams:
- 23rd – RPMS-1 (Astana)
- 31st – D. A. Kunaev Gymnasium (Aktobe)
- 38th – IT-Lyceum No. 9 named after O. A. Zholdasbekov (Shymkent)
Kazakhstan’s Stars – Team and Individual Success
RPMS (Almaty):
- GM Edgar Mamedov (2299)
- FM Imangali Akhilbay (2292)
- WIM Zarina Nurgaliyeva (2152)
- CM Alikhan Daulet (2173)
- Adizhan Yesengali (1989)
Captain – Sayat Yegenberdiyev
Imangali Akhilbay had a perfect score on board 2 – 8 out of 8, winning gold.
Edgar Mamedov and Zarina Nurgaliyeva scored 6½ out of 8, taking bronze on boards 1 and 3.
RPMS-2 (Astana):
- Islam Ayten, Vladimir Savitsky, Ernur Akhmediyar, Madina Momyn, Kamila Dukembayeva
Captain – Botakoz Zhalgasbayeva
SEED Educational Complex (Astana):
- CM Danis Kuandykuly (2156), Aldiyar Sailaubai, Arsen Aitmakhanov, Ailin Zarkym
Captain – Kuanish Suleimen
What the Organizers Say
Timur Turlov, President of the ISCF and Kazakhstan Chess Federation, shared his thoughts:
“For Kazakhstan, this tournament is important not only as a sporting event but also as a tool for the development of the entire chess movement. We didn’t just participate – we made a significant contribution to its organization. That’s why we’re very proud that the event was held at a high level. For our young players, it’s a priceless experience, and for our country, it’s clear evidence that systemic work in schools is already bearing fruit. Every medal is the result of hard work, perseverance, and true team spirit. Special thanks to the Embassy of Kazakhstan in the USA and personally to Ambassador Yerzhan Ashikbayev for supporting our delegation and promoting the development of chess. Congratulations to all players and coaches – we’re proud of you and moving toward even more ambitious goals!”
Notably, Ambassador Yerzhan Ashikbayev not only attended the opening ceremony but also actively supported the Kazakh teams throughout the tournament.
Final Thought
Once again, Kazakhstan proved itself to the world – we are raising a new generation of intellectual champions. The silver from RPMS and three individual medals were no accident – they’re the result of consistent development and strategic investment in education and chess.
The 2025 championship in Alexandria wasn’t just a tournament – it was a true celebration of chess. And Kazakhstan was one of its brightest stars.
