Cooperation between Kazakhstan and Pakistan in the field of chess is entering a new stage. As part of the official visit of the President of Kazakhstan to Pakistan, a series of events is taking place in Islamabad that highlights how sport and education are becoming tools for strengthening friendship and long-term partnership between the two countries, DKNews.kz reports.
Chess as a Shared Language
During these days, the Kazakhstan Chess Federation has been actively sharing its experience with Pakistani colleagues. Specialists from Kazakhstan are working with local youth and the national team, conducting training sessions and organizing tournaments. These initiatives clearly demonstrate the shared interest of both countries in developing intellect, innovation, and the potential of the younger generation.
Chess here goes beyond competition - it becomes a common language that unites cultures and educational systems.
Where Business Meets Intellect
Another important part of the visit was the Kazakhstan–Pakistan Business Forum, which brought together representatives of business and government institutions from both countries. Among the speakers was Timur Turlov, CEO of Freedom Holding Corp. and President of the Kazakhstan Chess Federation. In his remarks, he emphasized the role of chess in building trust and noted that sports initiatives can lay a strong foundation for economic cooperation.
“We have been developing chess together with Pakistan for several years. Kazakh specialists are working with local youth, including players of the national team. These days, modern chess classrooms prepared and equipped by our federation are opening in Islamabad. This is a vivid reflection of our friendship and a sign that Kazakhstan and Pakistan take the development of human capital and future generations equally seriously. On the same day, at the business forum, it became clear that the demand for intellect and innovation is fully shared by the business community as well. Our countries are united by a young population, a love for digital technologies, and a readiness for leadership. We can strengthen each other and will do so, relying on the political will of our leaders and a high level of mutual trust,” said Timur Turlov.
A New Chess Academy in Islamabad
One of the highlights of the visit was the opening of a chess academy at the Dostyq Sports Center in Islamabad. The ceremony was attended by Darmen Sadvakasov, First Vice President of the Kazakhstan Chess Federation. The federation took full responsibility for renovating and equipping the facility, installing modern equipment necessary for systematic chess training.
During the opening, the two sides signed a one-year joint action plan. It includes training programs, master classes, and tournaments. On the same day, Darmen Sadvakasov held a simultaneous exhibition match against members of Pakistan’s youth national team. Such encounters inspire young players and allow them to learn tactics and strategy directly from experienced professionals.
“We have agreed with the Pakistan Chess Federation that their children will come to competitions in Kazakhstan. From our side, we will send Kazakh coaches to work with Pakistani children. Our youth team is one of the strongest in the world, and we are ready to share our experience. There is huge potential here: already seven million children are involved in chess. It is necessary to introduce modern technologies and selection methodologies. At the moment, this system is at an early stage,” said Darmen Sadvakasov.
Exporting Knowledge and Technology
The export of knowledge and technology from Kazakhstan to Pakistan is gaining momentum. Kazakh coaches are traveling to Islamabad to conduct training sessions and share methods for developing champions. Pakistani children are receiving invitations to tournaments in Kazakhstan, where they compete with peers and adopt new approaches to training and competition.
At the same time, digital platforms for online training and talent identification are being introduced. These steps help accelerate the development of chess in Pakistan and strengthen ties between the two countries.
An Investment in the Future
The chess partnership between Kazakhstan and Pakistan is far more than a sports project. It is an investment in the future, focused on human capital, education, and strategic thinking. As a result, young people in both countries are growing up with a strong emphasis on intellect and creativity - qualities that will shape the leaders of tomorrow.
Through chess, Kazakhstan and Pakistan are building a durable foundation of trust that extends well beyond the board.
