Turkistan continues to strengthen its position as Kazakhstan’s new chess hub.
From January 20 to 30, 2026, the city will host the Kazakhstan National Chess Championship for children and juniors under 18 — a key event in the national selection system that determines who will represent the country at the major international tournaments of the season.
The championship will take place in Turkistan and is organized by the Kazakhstan Chess Federation with the support of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports of the Republic of Kazakhstan. All games will be played at the Olympic Reserve Training Center, which for ten days will become the focal point for the nation’s strongest young chess talents.
A Tournament That Shapes the National Team
This championship is far more than a routine competition. Its results will determine the lineup of Kazakhstan’s national team for international events in 2026. Winning here means a direct ticket to the elite level of world junior chess.
Medals will be contested in seven age categories — from U6 to U18 — across three disciplines: classical, rapid, and blitz. Young players are allowed to compete in higher age groups, a tradition that often adds intrigue and produces unexpected results.
Age categories:
- U6 — born in 2020 and younger
- U8 — born in 2018 and younger
- U10 — born in 2016 and younger
- U12 — born in 2014 and younger
- U14 — born in 2012 and younger
- U16 — born in 2010 and younger
- U18 — born in 2008 and younger
The format is nine rounds under the Swiss system in each discipline.
Schedule
- January 20–27 — Classical (90 minutes + 30 seconds per move)
- January 28–29 — Rapid (15 minutes + 10 seconds)
- January 30 — Blitz (3 minutes + 2 seconds)
After a Historic 2025, a New Test Awaits
Interest in the championship is heightened by the results of the previous season. The year 2025 was historic for Kazakh chess: the youth national team finished first in the world in the overall medal standings, winning five gold medals at the World Championship.
On November 28, 2025, the medalists were received by the Head of State at Akorda — a clear sign that the achievements of young chess players have gained national recognition.
Over the course of the year, Kazakh players won a total of 122 medals at world, Asian, and regional tournaments: 52 gold, 32 silver, and 38 bronze. Many of these champions and medalists will compete in Turkistan.
Favorites and Maximum Competition
Intense battles are expected in nearly every age group. In U10, the spotlight is on reigning world champion Alisha Bisalieva; in U12, world champion Alimzhan Zhauynbay; in U14, top-rated players holding international titles.
In the older categories, attention is focused on Mark Smirnov, Sauat Nurgaliyev, Artyom Bogdanov, and other juniors who have already made their mark on the global stage.
Experts note that the level of competition is so high that winning the national junior championship today is comparable in difficulty to an international tournament.
Prize Fund and International Spots
The total prize fund of the championship is 15,120,000 tenge.
Classical chess:
- 1st place — 250,000 tenge
- 2nd place — 150,000 tenge
- 3rd place — 100,000 tenge
Rapid and blitz:
- 1st place — 100,000 tenge
- 2nd place — 80,000 tenge
- 3rd place — 70,000 tenge
Coaches of the classical champions will receive 80,000 tenge each.
Classical champions will earn spots at:
- World Cup U8–12 (Batumi, June 2026)
- World Cadet Championship U8–12 (Batumi, November 2026)
- World Junior Championship U14–18 (Montesilvano, June 2026)
Runners-up will compete at the Asian Championship, while bronze medalists will qualify for the World Championships U7–17, the Western Asia Championship, and the Asian Schools Championship.
Turkistan Awaits the Future Grandmasters
The championship in Turkistan is not only a battle for medals and ratings. It is a showcase of the future of Kazakh chess — a place where, even today, one can see the players who in a few years will represent the country at Olympiads and elite tournaments.
Turkistan is ready to welcome future grandmasters. Who will become the new champion of Kazakhstan in 2026 — the chessboard will decide.
Follow the live broadcasts and results at: https://s1.chess-results.com/tnr1308375.aspx
