ASTANA – President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev met with newly elected International Chess Federation (FIDE) President Timur Turlov on Oct. 7, congratulating him on his election and highlighting the growing international profile of Kazakhstan’s chess community. From L to R: Timur Turlov, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
Photo credit: Akorda. Turlov was elected FIDE president on Sept. 26 in Samarkand during the organization’s General Assembly, held alongside the 46th World Chess Olympiad, receiving 110 of 196 votes. During the meeting, Tokayev said Turlov’s election reflects the growing standing of Kazakhstan and its chess school internationally, reported the presidential press office.
President Tokayev also emphasized the importance of chess for Kazakhstan, describing it not only as a sport but also as an important tool for developing the intellectual potential of younger generations. More than 278,000 people in Kazakhstan now regularly play chess, according to the presidential statement.
Tokayev outlines priorities for chess development Tokayev highlighted the recent progress of Kazakhstan’s chess community, particularly the national women’s team, which won silver at the World Chess Olympiad in Samarkand. He also outlined several priorities for the Kazakhstan Chess Federation, including strengthening national team training, developing an effective system for identifying and preparing young talents, promoting chess in the education system and expanding chess infrastructure across the regions.
Tokayev also called for stronger cooperation between the national federation and FIDE, including professional development programs for Kazakh coaches and arbiters, joint educational initiatives and the organisation of major international chess competitions in Kazakhstan.
Turlov thanked Tokayev for his support for chess development and briefed him on plans to promote chess globally, expand international cooperation and implement new projects involving national chess federations. Turlov has headed the Kazakhstan Chess Federation since 2023.
During his tenure, Kazakhstan hosted the World Chess Championship match and the World Team Rapid and Blitz Championships.