#ChessOlympiad – International Chess Federation

Chess boards from the 46th FIDE Olympiad to find new homes across the world

editor_d — Thu, 21 May 2026 08:17:43 +0000

The boards from the 46th FIDE Chess Olympiad in Samarkand will be distributed to national federations after the event, leaving a piece of the world’s biggest chess festival with the global community long after the final round is played.

Every two years, the Chess Olympiad brings together thousands of players from across the globe, competing on the same boards, in the same halls, under the same pressure that defines the sport at its highest level. When the 46th Chess Olympiad concludes in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, the boards played on throughout the event will not disappear into storage. Instead, they will continue their journey in federations and tournaments around the world.

Around 900 DGT boards that will be distributed are not replicas or souvenirs produced for the occasion. They are the very same electronic boards on which the world’s strongest national teams will have competed across eleven rounds of the Open and Women’s sections of the Olympiad. For the federations that receive them, they will remain practical tournament equipment while also carrying the history of the games played on them.

FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich welcomed the initiative: “The Chess Olympiad brings together the entire chess world, and these boards will carry that spirit into federations across every continent. These boards symbolize the very spirit of Gens Una Sumus but, no less importantly, will provide an important practical solution for many federations.”

Federations wishing to receive electronic boards from the 46th Chess Olympiad are invited to submit a request by email to gsc@fide.com, indicating the number of boards they would like to receive.

List of qualified teams for the 3rd FIDE Chess Olympiad for People with Disabilities 2026

editor_d — Fri, 08 May 2026 10:47:01 +0000

FIDE publishes the list of qualified teams for the 3rd FIDE Chess Olympiad for People with Disabilities 2026:

National federations whose teams have been qualified are requested to confirm the participation of their national teams of people with disabilities to the official email address of the Olympiad at olympiadpwd2026@fide.com by May 15, 2026.

Please see the regulations for the 3rd FIDE Chess Olympiad for People with Disabilities here: https://handbook.fide.com/files/handbook/Olympiad2026CompetitionForDisabled.pdf

We urge all national federations whose teams have been qualified to meet the confirmation deadline.

Looking forward to meeting you in Samarkand.

Official website: https://dis-olympiad2026.fide.com

Chess for Protection: Refugee teams preparing for a historic Chess Olympiad

editor_d — Tue, 05 May 2026 07:59:05 +0000

As the global chess community looks ahead to the 46th Chess Olympiad, set to take place in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, in September 2026, a powerful and historic initiative is gaining momentum. For the first time, refugee players are set to compete as organized teams at the Olympiad – marking a significant step not only for chess, but for international sport.

At the heart of this effort is the Chess for Protection project, a joint initiative led by FIDE – through its Social Commission – in cooperation with UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency. Launched in August 2021 and headed by Anastasia Sorokina, Chair of the FIDE Commission for Women’s Chess, the project supports displaced communities through chess by creating safe, structured spaces where children and adults can learn, connect, and develop valuable skills through chess.

Reflecting on the broader meaning of the initiative, Dana Reizniece, Project Supervisor and Deputy Chair of the FIDE Management Board, noted:

“This is not a Cinderella story waiting for a prince. It is a story of kids showing discipline and motivation and chess opening doors. For some of them – to the World Chess Olympiad, for all of them – to a better life.”

Within this broader framework, the Girls Club represents the initiative led by the FIDE Commission for Women’s Chess, focusing specifically on empowering girls. Through regular training and targeted activities, it promotes confidence, inclusion, and long-term personal development – values that extend far beyond the chessboard.

From community to competition: Building the teams

Today, thousands of players are actively involved in the Chess for Protection programme, working consistently with coaches across different locations. From this growing community, two teams – men’s and women’s – have been carefully selected and are now preparing for the Olympiad.

A defining strength of the programme is its coaching team. The Girls Club participants benefit from weekly training sessions led by highly experienced, world-class women coaches – International Master Salome Melia and Woman Grandmaster Anastasiya Karlovich. Their involvement provides not only top-level chess instruction, but also strong role models for the young players.

At the same time, on-site training plays a crucial role. Latvian coach Sergey Klimakovs has travelled multiple times to Kakuma Refugee Camp in Kenya to work directly with the players, most recently in April.

A training camp for 10 players – Olympiad team candidates – was held in Kakuma from April 4 to 15. During the camp, players worked on key aspects of practical play, including general positional principles, positional pawn sacrifices to seize the initiative, and transitions from defense to counterattack. Special attention was also given to learning how to use ChessBase and databases – important tools that will help them prepare for specific opponents during the Olympiad.

Over the course of the camp, players demonstrated clear progress compared to previous training sessions, along with a strong motivation to continue improving. The experience not only strengthened their chess understanding, but also reinforced their readiness to compete as a team.

Strengthening partnerships: Meeting with UNHCR

A productive meeting took place on April 13 in Almaty between UNHCR, represented by Mahir Safarli (UNHCR Representative for Central Asia), and FIDE, represented by Gulmira Dauletova, Executive Director of the Kazakhstan Chess Federation and member of FIDE Commission for Women’s Chess, and Nadzeya Krauchuk, Director of International Relations of the International School Chess Federation and FIDE Social Projects Coordinator, together with the Kazakhstan Chess Federation. The meeting focused specifically on support for the refugee teams.

Discussions centered on players from Kakuma Refugee Camp in Kenya, who, through the Chess for Protection programme, have demonstrated resilience and talent. Through chess, they have strengthened critical thinking, fostered inclusion, and built meaningful connections within their community.

Efforts are currently underway to facilitate the participation of both the men’s and women’s refugee teams in the upcoming Olympiad in Samarkand.

This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to supporting these players – not only in their chess development, but also in their journey toward international representation.

Targeted support for Olympiad preparation

As preparations intensify, targeted support has become essential in enabling the teams to train effectively.

A key role in this effort has been played by long-standing partners, in particular The Gift of Chess and DGT (Digital Solutions), whose continued support has been instrumental for the development of the Chess for Protection programme.

Equally important has been the provision of chess sets to the participating communities. These were made possible through the generous support of The Gift of Chess, in collaboration with Kijiji Solutions.

What makes this contribution especially meaningful is the story behind it. The sets were produced by Kijiji Solutions, a Kenyan nonprofit that tackles plastic waste by recycling it into high-quality chess sets. Beyond their practical value for training, these sets carry a deeper message of sustainability, local impact, and community-driven change.

Further strengthening the preparation process, a donation of a computer has significantly enhanced training possibilities. Thanks to the University of Magdeburg in Germany, which provided a powerful laptop for the project, players in Kakuma now have access to professional-level tools. As coach Sergey Klimakovs noted:

“Thanks to the University of Magdeburg in Germany, which donated a powerful laptop with ChessBase installed for the project, the Kakuma players now have the opportunity to work on chess like professionals.”

Together, these contributions ensure that players can train consistently and in structured conditions, supporting both their daily practice and long-term development as they prepare for the Olympiad.

A historic opportunity

At the heart of the project, and of the refugee teams’ journey toward the Olympiad, lies a deeply human mission. Reflecting on its impact, Anastasia Sorokina, who leads the initiative, shared:

“Our project began in 2021 in partnership with UNHCR. Over the past five years, it has grown into one of the most meaningful social FIDE initiatives within the global chess community.

For me, this project is first and foremost about people – those who have lost their homes, who live with uncertainty, and who are searching for stability and a sense of belonging. In such moments, chess becomes a language they can rely on. It brings structure, restores dignity, and creates connection where there was isolation.

What matters most to me is seeing how chess can gently rebuild something inside a person – a sense of calm, confidence, and hope.

If we have even the smallest chance to offer them a moment of peace and inclusion through participation in the Chess Olympiad – the greatest gathering of the global chess community – then we must do everything we can to make that possible.”

The potential participation of refugee teams in the Chess Olympiad represents a meaningful and long-awaited step. In recent years, other major sporting events, including the Olympic Games, have shown the importance of giving refugee athletes a platform to compete and be recognized. Chess now stands at the threshold of a similar moment.

Beyond competition, this initiative is about visibility, dignity, and opportunity. It is about recognizing talent regardless of circumstance, and about creating pathways where they did not previously exist.

And if they do, their presence in Samarkand will carry a message far beyond the board: that even in the most difficult conditions, connection, resilience, and hope can find their way forward.

ChessMom 2026: Registration now open

editor_d — Sun, 03 May 2026 23:00:00 +0000

CHESSMOM 2026 – Follow up announcement and key details

Important Dates

* Application period opened
* July 1 – Application deadline
* July 10 – Selected participants will be announced

Accommodation clarification

Women’s team delegations normally receive accommodation for five players, distributed as two double rooms and one single room.

For federations with a player approved under the ChessMom program, the total number of rooms does not increase. Instead, the single room is upgraded to a double room. This allows the player, together with her child and caregiver, to stay in the same room, while the other four players are accommodated in the remaining two double rooms.

The total number of rooms assigned to each delegation remains unchanged.

Clarification on Required Letters

• Player’s Application Letter
This is a personal letter in which the player expresses her interest in participating in the ChessMom program. It must include her intention to participate, confirmation that she meets the eligibility criteria, as well as relevant information and motivation.
If you are a player who qualifies for the program, please also complete the registration form: https://forms.gle/wuX5ra2pgyDTrwyE8

• Federation Letter
This is an official letter issued by the National Federation. It must confirm that the player will be part of the national team and that the federation is aware of her participation in the program.

For questions, please contact the Project Coordinator:
Francisco Javier Cruz Arce
Email: fj_007@yahoo.com
WhatsApp: +1-787-587-3409

FIDE and the FIDE Commission for Women’s Chess are inviting players, national federations, and the wider chess community to take the first step toward ChessMom 2026.

Following its successful debut at the 2024 Chess Olympiad in Budapest, the ChessMom Project returns for the 46th Chess Olympiad in Uzbekistan. The programme provides financial and logistical support to professional women chess players who are mothers, allowing them to compete at the highest level alongside their children and a caregiver.

If you are a player and a mother, or if you know someone who could benefit from the programme, please complete the short registration form via the link below.

Register here: https://forms.gle/wuX5ra2pgyDTrwyE8

This early registration allows the FIDE Commission for Women’s Chess to:

Identify players interested in the programme
Share updated information as soon as the official Olympiad regulations are released
Offer guidance and support throughout the application process

Who is eligible

Participation in ChessMom is for players who are part of the official delegations of their national federations for the 46th Chess Olympiad. For the 2026 edition, mothers with children under two years of age at the time of the Olympiad are eligible to apply – an expansion from the under-one limit applied in 2024.

Application requirements

Interested national federations and eligible players are invited to prepare the following information:

Player’s full name, FIDE ID, national federation, and citizenship
Visa requirements for Uzbekistan
Child’s full name and date of birth
Accompanying person’s full name, relationship to the player or child, and citizenship
Letter of request from the player
Letter of concurrence from the national federation confirming participation in the 2026 Olympiad

A note for national federations

Federations are encouraged to share this registration link with eligible players within their teams and to support the identification of potential beneficiaries. National federations participating in the Olympiad normally receive three rooms as part of their accommodation package. For delegations that include a player approved under ChessMom, the player’s single room is upgraded to a double room to allow the caregiver and child to stay together with the team. The total number of rooms allocated to each delegation remains unchanged.

ChessMom reflects FIDE’s commitment to ensuring that no woman is forced to choose between motherhood and a professional career in chess. Six players from across the world were supported through the programme in Budapest 2024, and the 2026 edition continues that work with expanded reach and updated eligibility.

Contact: Francisco Javier Cruz Arce – fj_007@yahoo.com.

FIDE opens applications for Olympiad Training Support Program 2026

editor_d — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 15:17:26 +0000

FIDE is pleased to invite federations to apply for the Olympiad Training Support Program ahead of the 46th Chess Olympiad 2026 in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.

This well-established and highly regarded initiative has earned strong appreciation from participating federations. Building on its success, the 2026 edition is delivered within the framework of cooperation between FIDE and Freedom Holding Corp., aimed at supporting developing chess nations.

A total of over 100 federations across FIDE development levels 3, 4, and 5 are eligible to apply for this year’s program.

Participating federations will benefit from a structured preparation program delivered in two phases:

Online phase: Each team will receive up to 10 hours of training conducted by professional coaches selected by the FIDE Trainers Program.
On-site phase: During the Olympiad, federations will receive co-financing for the presence of their assigned coach.

FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich emphasizes the importance of the program:

“Over the past editions, the Olympiad Training Support Program has proven to be an impactful and widely appreciated initiative. It demonstrates FIDE’s commitment to supporting developing federations and ensuring that players have access to professional preparation. We are pleased to further expand this program in cooperation with Freedom Holding Corp. and look forward to another successful edition in 2026.”

Timur Turlov, CEO of Freedom Holding Corp., added:

“Supporting developing chess federations is an investment in the future of the game. Access to high-quality training and professional guidance helps unlock talent in regions where opportunities may be limited, creating a more inclusive and competitive global chess community. We are proud to contribute to this initiative together with FIDE.”

Federations in development levels 3, 4, and 5 wishing to participate must confirm their interest in both the online and on-site phases and indicate their preferred language of instruction no later than May 22, 2026. Based on the number of applications and development levels, the FIDE Trainers Commission will design and allocate training resources accordingly.

Olympiad Training Support Application Form (for Federations): https://formdesigner.pro/form/view/243554

FIDE-licensed trainers interested in supporting participating teams are also invited to apply by May 15, 2026.

Olympiad Trainer Application Form (for Trainers): https://formdesigner.pro/form/view/243553

Eligible federations:

Chess Development Level 5 Federations

Antigua and Barbuda
Burundi
Bhutan
Belize
Burkina Faso
Central African Republic
Cambodia
Chad
Cameroon
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Comoros Islands
Djibouti
Dominica
Eritrea
Ethiopia
Fiji
Gabon
Gambia
Equatorial Guinea
Ghana
Greenland
Grenada
Guinea
Isle of Man
British Virgin Islands
Kiribati
Liberia
Macau, China
Marshall Islands
Mali
New Caledonia
Niger
Papua New Guinea
Rwanda
Senegal
Seychelles
Sierra Leone
Solomon Islands
Somalia
South Sudan
Sao Tome and Principe
Sudan
Syria
Tanzania
Tonga
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Yemen

Chess Development Level 4 Federations

Brunei Darussalam
Cote d’Ivoire
Haiti
Hong Kong, China
Japan
Saudi Arabia
Kuwait
Libya
Lesotho
Mauritania
Namibia
Nepal
Oman
Palestine
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Wales

Chess Development Level 3 Federations

Netherlands Antilles
Albania
Algeria
Andorra
Angola
Aruba
Australia
Bahamas
Bangladesh
Bermuda
Bolivia
Botswana
Bahrain
Cayman Islands
Chile
Cape Verde
Cyprus
Dominican Republic
Egypt
El Salvador
Faroe Islands
Guernsey
Guatemala
Guam
Guyana
Honduras
Iraq
US Virgin Islands
Jamaica
Jersey
Jordan
Kenya
South Korea
Kosovo*
Laos
Lebanon
Saint Lucia
Madagascar
Morocco
Malawi
Maldives
North Macedonia
Malta
Mozambique
Mauritius
Myanmar
Nicaragua
Nigeria
Nauru
New Zealand
Pakistan
Panama
Palau
Puerto Rico
Qatar
Scotland
San Marino
Sri Lanka
Suriname
Eswatini
Thailand
Tajikistan
Timor-Leste
Togo
Chinese Taipei
Tunisia
Uganda
Vanuatu
Zambia
Zimbabwe

Invitation: 46th Chess Olympiad, 3rd FIDE Chess Olympiad for People with Disabilities & FIDE Congress 2026

editor_d — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 10:12:18 +0000

Dear chess Friends from across the globe,

On behalf of FIDE and the Organising Committee of the Uzbekistan Chess Federation, it is our distinct honour and pleasure to invite you to the 46^th Chess Olympiad and the 3^rdFIDE Chess Olympiad for People with Disabilities, the world’s strongest and most important team chess competitions. Alongside these events, FIDE will hold its Congress and elections.

The Open and the Women’s Olympiad

The Chess Olympiads will take place in the ancient Silk Road city of Samarkand, Uzbekistan, from 15 till 27 September 2026.

The 45^th Chess Olympiad in Budapest set a record for the number of participating teams – 193 in the Open and 181 in the Women’s competition. The 46^th Chess Olympiad is expected to surpass that number and bring together thousands of players and fans from across the world.

The Olympiad will consist of two sections, Open and Women. Both events will be played over 11 rounds, using the Swiss system, with teams of four players plus one reserve. More information about tournament regulations can be found here:
https://handbook.fide.com/files/handbook/Olympiad2026MainCompetition.pdf

Three trophies

There will be three trophies:

The Hamilton-Russell Cup for the winners of the Open section
The Vera Menchik Cup for the winners of the Women section
The Nona Gaprindashvili Trophy for the best combined federation performance across the Open and Women sections

Schedule
The Opening Ceremony will take place on 15 September, while the first round will be played on 16 September. After round six, there will be a day off on 22 September. Round 11 and Closing Ceremony will take place on 27 September.

Team Registration and further information:

The registration for the FIDE Chess Olympiad starts on 20 April 2026.

Participating teams in the Open and Women’s sections are invited to register following the credentials they shall receive to their official federation’s e-mail address.

More information about the FIDE Chess Olympiad can be found here: https://chessolympiad2026.fide.com/.

The 3^rd FIDE Chess Olympiad for People with Disabilities

Alongside the 46^th Chess Olympiad, the 3^rd FIDE Chess Olympiad for People with Disabilities will take place from 10 to 18 September.

The international team competition is promoted by the FIDE Players with Disabilities Commission and aims to promote inclusivity and accessibility in chess.

More information about the FIDE Chess Olympiad for People With Disabilities, including the schedule, can be found here: https://dis-olympiad2026.fide.com/.

The FIDE Congress

FIDE will also hold its Congress during the Chess Olympiad. The Congress will take place from 20 to 27 September.

Bringing together the member federations at General Assembly, FIDE Council, Zonal Council, and FIDE Commissions, the Congress will include the FIDE Election on 26 September. Delegates will choose the leadership of FIDE for the following four years.

The General Assembly will also decide the hosts of the 2030 Chess Olympiad.

Honouring the FIDE Year of Chess in Education, an Educational Summit will be hosted during the Congress.

The program and details about the Congress are available here: https://congress.fide.com/.

We look forward to seeing you all in Samarkand for another important step forward for chess.

The invitation and event guide booklet for the Chess Olympiad, Chess Olympiad for People with Disabilities and Congress is available here: https://doc.fide.com/docs/2026_Olympiad/Invitation_Olympiad_Congress_2026.pdf

Bidding for the 2030 FIDE Chess Olympiad: Deadline extended

editor_d — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 15:29:49 +0000

The International Chess Federation (FIDE) has officially extended the deadline for bids for the FIDE Chess Olympiad 2030 until June 15, 2026

This global event, the largest team competition on the chess calendar, lasting 15 days (including arrivals and departures), brings together thousands of players and fans from across the world. At the most recent Olympiad in Budapest, Hungary, 188 federations registered teams in the Open section and 169 federations in the Women’s section, reflecting the truly universal character of the event.

Events to be organised

Alongside the main competition, two additional key events will be held under the umbrella of the Olympiad:

FIDE Chess Olympiad 2030 – Competition for People with Disabilities (organisers must be ready to host at least 100 teams)
FIDE Congress 2030

The selected organiser will be responsible for hosting all three events and providing a proposal that ensures the maximum possible number of teams can be accommodated. With FIDE now uniting more than 200 federations — and expanding each year — the scale and importance of the FIDE Chess Olympiad continue to grow with every edition.

Regulations

The official regulations for both Olympiad competitions will be approved no later than 30 September 2025 and will follow the structure of the 2028 FIDE Chess Olympiad Regulations in all important aspects:

The requirements for hosting the FIDE Congress may be found here: FIDE Congress Regulations.

Who Can Bid?

Any FIDE member federation or organiser approved by a national federation is eligible to apply. Bidders proposing to host additional FIDE events alongside the Olympiad will be given priority.

Bidding process

Formal Bid: Complete bidding applications must be submitted to office@fide.com by June 15, 2026, 18:00 CET. Applications must follow the form provided in the approved regulations and include all required documents.

The full responsibilities of the organiser, including financial obligations, will be defined in the regulations and any additional conditions.

The final decision on the host city will be made by the FIDE General Assembly held during the next FIDE Chess Olympiad in September 2026 in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, which will award the organisation rights to the applicant receiving the highest number of votes.

Travel subsidies for participants of Olympiad and delegates of FIDE Congress 2026

editor_d — Fri, 03 Apr 2026 09:08:16 +0000

Travel Subsidies – Eligibility

FIDE will subsidize travel to Samarkand, Uzbekistan for eligible federations as follows.

Olympiad – Main Event

Development Levels 3, 4 and 5 federations are eligible for travel subsidies up to the following limits:
– for federations in Africa – 1,200 euros per person (14,400 euros for full team*)
– for federations in Americas – 1,800 euros per person (21,600 euros for full team*)
– for federations in Asia – 700 euros per person (8,400 euros for full team*)
– for federations in Europe – 900 euros per person (10,800 euros for full team*)
– for federations in Oceania – 1,800 euros per person (21,600 euros for full team*)
FIDE Treasurer may at her sole discretion decide to increase the amount of travel subsidy for certain federations taking into account their particular circumstances.
* Note: Full teams means 12 persons – Open and Women teams each comprised 5 players and a captain.
In exceptional circumstances, Development Level 1 and 2 federations may apply for travel subsidies. Valid reasons for such applications may be remote location (and therefore very expensive tickets), poor economic situation in a country (as evidenced by per capita GDP significantly lower than the world’s average and other relevant economic indicators), etc. FIDE Treasurer will review such applications on a case-by-case basis taking into consideration particular circumstances of the federations in question, and decide on the amount of travel subsidy (if any) at her sole discretion.

Chess Olympiad for People with Disabilities

All invited teams are eligible for travel subsidies. Each team comprises up to 7 invited participants (4 players, 1 reserve player / captain and up to 2 accompanying persons). The limits per person by continents are the same as stipulated in paragraph 1 of the “Olympiad – Main Competition” section.

Congress

Delegates of FIDE Congress are eligible for travel subsidy on the same principles as described in paragraphs 1 and 2 of the “Olympiad – Main Competition” section.

Travel Subsidies – Procedural Issues

Expenses covered by travel subsidy: economy class air tickets and other essential expenses related to international travel (visas, etc.). Discretionary expenses (including meals) will not be reimbursed.
FIDE may buy tickets for eligible national chess federations in lieu of paying travel subsidy. Prior to making any travel arrangements, national chess federations shall consult with FIDE.
If FIDE advises that national chess federations make travel arrangements on their own, requests for the travel subsidy payments together with relevant supporting documents (tickets / receipts / invoices / etc.) shall be sent to FIDE Office no later than 31 October 2026. Applications for travel subsidy received by FIDE Office after 31 October 2026 will not be accepted.
Travel subsidy will be paid within 6 weeks after the Olympiad completion taking into account the actual number of persons who attended the Olympiad. Expenses incurred with respect to persons who did not attend the Olympiad will not be reimbursed. For the avoidance of doubt, if actual travel expenses are lower than the limits stated above, only actual expenses will be reimbursed.
In exceptional cases, federations may apply to receive travel subsidy prior to the event. FIDE Treasurer will review such applications and decide on the amount of prepayment (if any) on a case-by-case basis.
All communications on this matter (applications for travel subsidies, expense reports, etc.) shall be sent to the FIDE Office email.

Call of interest for arbiters at the 46th FIDE Chess Olympiad and 3rd FIDE Chess Olympiad for People with Disabilities

editor_d — Sat, 07 Mar 2026 17:58:05 +0000

The FIDE Arbiters’ Commission (ARB) is opening a call of interest to all International Arbiters and FIDE Arbiters with a valid FIDE license who wish to be part of the arbiter team at the 46th Chess Olympiad and 3rd FIDE Chess Olympiad for People with Disabilities.

Both events will be held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, taking place from September 15-28 and September 10-18, respectively.

The call of Interest will be open for one month, from March 7, 2026 to March 29, 2026, 23:59 CET.

Important note:
* Chamilo is the ARB Training Portal, which we are using to support the process. We will take advantage of the call of interest to include colleagues who haven’t followed training sessions yet under this new system.

Survey link: https://arb-learn.fide.com/main/survey/fillsurvey.php?iid=48&invitationcode=auto&cid=20&course=COI&sid=0&language=en_US

In case it’s your first time using the portal or you don’t remember it, you may want to initialize your password, using the lost password link: I lost my password

Winners crowned at 2nd Chess Olympiad for People with Disabilities

editor_d — Sat, 25 Oct 2025 20:11:28 +0000

The 2nd Chess Olympiad for People with Disabilities concluded today in Astana, marking a historic celebration of inclusivity, determination, and unity – coinciding with the Republic Day of Kazakhstan.

The final day began with a vibrant cultural performance featuring traditional Kazakh dances, music, and local cuisine, creating a festive atmosphere for the participants. The ceremonial first move was made by Andrey Gromov, President of the International Physically Disabled Chess Association (IPCA), together with Gulmira Dauletova, Executive Director of the Kazakhstan Chess Federation (KazChess).

“It’s the first time Kazakhstan has organised such an event,” said Gulmira Dauletova. “After hosting the World Cadets Championship just weeks ago, preparing this Olympiad in only 20 days was a huge challenge – but our team worked tirelessly, and we are proud that everything went so well. The players are happy, and that means everything to us.”

“Our main goal was to create smiles. Seeing the players enjoy themselves, especially during moments like our ‘Hug Day,’ was the most rewarding part,” she added.

A short but powerful history

The Chess Olympiad for People with Disabilities has a brief yet inspiring history. It began in 2020 with the first Online Olympiad, which saw 61 teams from 45 countries and nearly 400 players – Poland took gold in that inaugural edition.

Three years later, the dream of meeting over the board became reality in Belgrade, Serbia, where 23 teams competed in the first in-person event – Poland once again emerged victorious. This year in Astana, the Olympiad reached a record 34 participating teams, making it the largest and most inclusive edition to date.
The story continues: starting in 2026, the Olympiad for People with Disabilities will be held alongside the main Chess Olympiad, beginning in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.

“For me, it’s special that chess allows people with all kinds of abilities to compete on an equal footing,” said Dana Reizniece, Deputy Chair of the FIDE Management Board. “Chess is one of the most inclusive sports in the world – and aligning these Olympiads ensures that everyone remains part of the same global chess family.”

Thomas Luther, Chairman of the FIDE Commission for People with Disabilities, added: “From next year, the Olympiad for People with Disabilities will take place alongside the main Olympiad and the FIDE Congress – a major step that guarantees the continuity and growth of this event.”

Stories of Inspiration

Inclusivity in chess extends to every corner of the world. Blessing Jemani, captain of the Zimbabwean team, shared a powerful story about his young student Tinashe Mvududu, who plays chess using his legs.
“He teaches us that disability is not inability,” said Jemani. “He’s an inspiration to our entire chess community – and though he couldn’t join us this year, we hope to see him competing next year in Uzbekistan.”

Position of the Day

The final round delivered thrilling chess moments — notably, the game between Ihar Rasikhin (FIDE 2) and Luisa Fernanda Molina Valdes (Colombia), featuring a brilliant “Greek gift” sacrifice:

26. Bxh7+ Kxh7 27. Qxf7 Qd8?? (after 27…Rxe1! 28. Rxe1 Qc4! White is only slightly better) 28. Qh5+ Kg8 29. g6, and Black resigned facing inevitable checkmate.

Awarding Ceremony

The closing ceremony was filled with emotion and pride.

Dana Reizniece delivered a heartfelt speech, expressing gratitude to all contributors: “The 2nd Chess Olympiad for People with Disabilities has been a true festival of humanity – a magnificent demonstration of the unbreakable spirit of chess. On behalf of FIDE, I would like to express our deepest gratitude to the Government of Kazakhstan and President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev for their continuous support of chess and its development. Our thanks also go to the Akimat of Astana and Mayor Zhenis Kasymbek for their warm hospitality, and to the Kazakhstan Chess Federation and its President Timur Turlov for their exceptional organisation. We are deeply grateful to our partners, Freedom Holding Corporation and all sponsors, for their invaluable support, and to the National Paralympic Centre for providing world-class playing conditions. Finally, heartfelt thanks to the arbiters, fair play team, and volunteers whose dedication ensured everything ran flawlessly.”

Team standings

The final standings crowned the champions of the 2nd Chess Olympiad for People with Disabilities:

1st Place – FIDE 1 (Babarykin, Ermakov, Lipilin, Zakharova, Obodchuk)
2nd Place –Poland (Tazbir, Molenda, Piekielny, Leszner, Wolanski)
3rd Place – Israel (Gruenfeld, Streltsov, Gurbanov, Aleksandrova)

Full results: chess-results.com

Special awards and board winners

Special prizes

Youngest player with hearing disability: Farkas Virag (Hungary)
Youngest player with physical disability: Atassi Celine (USA)
Youngest player with visual disability: Kuanyshuly Nurgisa (Kazakhstan 2)
Oldest player with hearing disability: Jimenez Moron Elias (Panama)
Oldest player with physical disability: Babula Milan (Czech Republic; pictured below)
Oldest player with visual disability: Bibikov Yuriy (Kazakhstan 3)
Longest chess career (female): Dietsche Birgit (Germany)
Best game: Cheyzer Crystal Mendoza (Philippines)
Best performance: Maksim Ermakov (FIDE 1)

Board winners

Outstanding performances were also recognised on each board, highlighting individual excellence throughout the event:

Board 1: 1. Gruenfeld, Yehuda (Israel) 2. Varadi, Viktor (Hungary) 3. Amato, Leonel (Argentina) – pictured below
Board 2: 1. Ermakov, Maksim (FIDE 1) 2. Pavicevic, Jovan (Serbia) 3. Glazar, Domagoj (Croatia)
Board 3: 1. Kishan, Gangolli (India) 2. Rasikhin, Igor (FIDE 2) 3. Musokeri, Prince (Zimbabwe)
Board 4: 1. Salamon, Julia (IBCA) 2. Ali Mohamed, Mohamed (Egypt) 3. Cherono, Mercy (Kenya)
Board 5: 1. Kambarova, Aiganym (Kazakhstan 2) 2. Sarkar, Md Ali Nawaz (Bangladesh) 3. Pavicevic, Jovana (Serbia)

Passing the flag to Uzbekistan

During the ceremony, Gulmira Dauletova officially handed over the FIDE flag to Askar Ibraimov, Specialist of the Chess Federation of Uzbekistan for the Paralympic direction – symbolizing the transfer of hosting duties to Samarkand in 2026.

“How it started years ago – it was a challenge,” said Akaki Iashvili, FIDE Special Tasks Director. “But thanks to the FIDE DIS Commission, KazChess, the government, volunteers, arbiters, and the Fair Play team, we created optimal conditions and a beautiful atmosphere. The journey continues.”

With this symbolic moment, the 2nd Chess Olympiad for People with Disabilities officially came to a close – leaving behind unforgettable memories and setting the stage for a new chapter of inclusivity and excellence in Samarkand in 2026.

Official website: dis-olympiad2025.fide.com/