Almaty has become a global chess hub.
The city is hosting two major international tournaments that bring together elite university players and the world's strongest young talents, DKNews.kz reports.
Almaty has officially launched the FIDE World University Team Chess Championship Final alongside a high-profile match between the youth teams of Kazakhstan and the World.
From August 4 to 9, teams from 16 leading universities will compete in Kazakhstan's largest city, including representatives from Oxford, Cambridge and Harvard. Kazakhstan is represented by the Kazakh Academy of Sport and Tourism (KNUS), Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, and Almaty Management University (AlmaU).
Kazakhstan strengthens its role in global chess
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Culture and Information Aida Balayeva said the championship goes far beyond sporting competition.
«Today Kazakhstan is becoming a meeting place for the strongest young chess players representing the world's leading educational institutions. This championship is not only a competition for medals, but also a platform for communication, knowledge exchange, strengthening ties between universities and building long-term partnerships between countries.»
The event further reinforces Kazakhstan's growing reputation as one of the world's most active organizers of international chess competitions.
Chess becomes part of higher education
Minister of Science and Higher Education Sayasat Nurbek highlighted the country's efforts to integrate chess into the education system.
According to him:
- More than 200 students from five pedagogical universities have completed the "Chess Teacher" Minor program.
- 31 universities now offer courses related to chess education.
- The new KazChessLab educational and methodological laboratory has been established at the Kazakh National Women's Teacher Training University.
The minister emphasized the broader educational value of chess.
«Chess is not only an intellectual game but also an effective educational tool that develops critical thinking, independence, responsibility and strategic planning skills. That is why it is fundamentally important for us to train teachers capable of professionally integrating chess education into the learning process. This is an investment not only in improving the quality of teacher education but also in developing our country's human capital and intellectual potential.»
Kazakhstan aims to become a chess powerhouse
Kazakhstan Chess Federation President Timur Turlov said hosting the championship reflects the country's growing influence in international chess.
«History tells us that chess was born in India, grew stronger in Persia and spread around the world through numerous trade routes, one of which passed right here at the foot of the Almaty mountains. Fifteen hundred years later, the game has returned to the place from which it once continued its journey. The fact that Kazakhstan and Almaty are hosting this historic turn today speaks better than any words about the strength of our country and our federation, which has rightfully become one of the driving forces of world chess. At the same time, the development of university chess is one of our priorities because it is in the university environment that relationships and friendships are formed which extend far beyond the chessboard and continue in science, education and joint projects around the world.»
Why Almaty was chosen
Deputy Mayor of Almaty Nurlan Abdrakhim noted that the city is home to more than 236,000 university students, making it a natural venue for a championship focused on higher education.
The tournament also demonstrates Kazakhstan's ambition to position itself as an international destination for academic, educational and sporting cooperation.
Tournament favorites
Based on the average player ratings as of August 1, the leading teams are:
- Saint Louis University — 2577
- Ural State Mining University — 2514
- University of Texas at Dallas — 2441
- Kazakh Academy of Sport and Tourism (KNUS) — 2420
Kazakhstan's lineups
KNUS
- GM Kazybek Nogerbek (2495)
- IM Satbek Akhmedinov (2400)
- IM Arystan Isanzhulov (2385)
- IM Meruert Kamalidenova (2400)
- Alisher Mazhkenov (2180)
Al-Farabi KazNU
- FM Yerlan Tleukhanov (2296)
- Bekarys Tursynali (2024)
- Sultan Amanzhol (1982)
- WCM Assel Lesbekova (1954, Kyrgyzstan)
- Darina Akpanbetova (1569)
AlmaU
- FM Zhangir Bizhigitov (2272)
- Dias Alimbetov (2149)
- FM Nurasyl Zhumabek (2025)
- Nurai Yerkinbek (1502)
- Anuar Ualikhan (1648)
Youth teams compete for 15 million tenge
Running alongside the university championship on August 4–5 is an international match between the youth teams of Kazakhstan and the World.
Players aged 8 to 18 compete separately in boys' and girls' events, first in rapid chess and then in blitz.
The combined prize fund totals 15 million tenge, making it one of the most valuable youth chess events held in Kazakhstan.
Organizers and partners
The competitions are organized by:
- International Chess Federation (FIDE)
- Ministry of Tourism and Sports of Kazakhstan
- Ministry of Science and Higher Education of Kazakhstan
- Kazakhstan Chess Federation
- Almaty City Administration
The general partners are Freedom Group and the Shapagat Corporate Foundation.
