Kazakhstan’s junior chess players delivered a historic performance at the World Rapid and Blitz Championship for players under 18, DKNews.kz reports.
At the tournament in the Serbian city of Vrnjačka Banja, the national team won 21 medals, including 9 gold.
This is Kazakhstan’s best result in the history of participation in such events. After the two disciplines, the team also finished first in the overall standings.
Tournament gathered hundreds of players from around the world
The World Championship was held from April 15 to 20, 2026.
A total of 437 young chess players from 40 countries took part.
Participants competed in six age categories, from under 8 to under 18. Separate tournaments were held for boys and girls.
Rapid medals were contested during the first three days, followed by blitz events.
The scale of the competition makes it one of the most important events on the global youth chess calendar.
Kazakhstan shines in rapid chess
In the rapid tournament, Kazakhstan won 11 medals:
- 5 gold
- 4 silver
- 2 bronze
World champions were:
- Aslan Yendibayev — O8
- Adelina Nurkhankyzy — G10
- Ramazan Tulegen — O12
- Yelnaz Kaliakhmet — G16
- Aldiyar Ansat — O18
Special attention was drawn to the O18 final, where Kazakhstan claimed the top two places.
Aldiyar Ansat became world champion, while Daniyal Sapenov won silver.
This result shows the depth of Kazakhstan’s squad and the high level of internal competition.
Blitz brings another 10 medals
After rapid, players competed in blitz chess.
Kazakhstan once again finished among the leaders, winning 10 more medals:
- 4 gold
- 3 silver
- 3 bronze
World champions were:
- Venera Zhakisheva — G8
- Alisha Bisaliyeva — G10
- Aldiyar Zharas — O14
- Zarina Nurgaliyeva — G18
In the O14 category, Kazakhstan completed another one-two finish.
Aldiyar Zharas took gold, while Suleyman Akhmet won silver.
These blitz results are especially valuable because the format requires lightning-fast thinking, composure and decision-making within seconds.
Nine gold medals won by nine different players
One of the most impressive achievements was that all nine gold medals were won by different players.
This means Kazakhstan’s success was not built around one star, but around an entire generation of strong young talents.
Such balance is considered especially important for the future of the national team, as it expands the talent pool and increases competition.
Kazakhstan improving every year
Results from recent years show steady growth:
- 2023 — 7 medals, 2 gold
- 2024 — 16 medals, 3 gold
- 2025 — 14 medals, 10 gold
- 2026 — 21 medals, 9 gold
Over four years, Kazakhstan has become one of the leaders of world youth chess.
Why this matters
Junior tournaments are widely seen as the foundation of future success in senior chess.
This is where future Olympiad players and continental or world champions are developed.
The large-scale success of Kazakhstan’s young players points to strong chess schools, quality coaching and systematic work with talented children.
For the country, it is not only sporting prestige, but also an investment in the future.
Next challenge: Kazakhstan Championship
Many winners and medalists from the world event will soon compete in the final stage of the Kazakhstan National Championship, which will take place in Astana from May 2 to 12.
Among those expected to compete:
- Aldiyar Ansat
- Daniyal Sapenov
- Yergali Suleymen
- Zarina Nurgaliyeva
- Yelnaz Kaliakhmet
- Aiaru Altynbek
- Aknur Mamakova
- Asiya Asylkhan
There, players will compete not only for national medals, but also for places in Kazakhstan’s Olympic team.
