National Federations – 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.

Kazakhstan’s Chess “Oscar”: KazChess Awards 2026 unites champions, legends, and the nation’s future

editor_d — Wed, 13 May 2026 11:11:11 +0000

At the Hilton Astana in Astana, the KazChess Awards 2026 ceremony brought together world champions, coaches, arbiters, regional leaders, and distinguished guests from the international sports community. In just a few years, this national award has evolved into a true celebration – comparable in scale to the Oscars – except here, the spotlight is on intellect and strategic mastery.

The evening opened with a “Renaissance” performance by the FLAME STARS dance ensemble – a fitting metaphor for the renaissance Kazakhstan’s chess has experienced in recent years. Athletes, coaches, officials, journalists, and patrons filled the hall, reflecting how chess in Kazakhstan has long outgrown its niche status.

The KazChess Awards is more than an annual recognition of the best performers. It is a showcase of systemic transformation launched in January 2023 that has reshaped Kazakhstani chess. The results are measurable: 126 international medals in 2023, 160 in 2024, and 162 in 2025. These achievements form the foundation behind every statuette presented on stage.

High-level representation

A welcome address on behalf of Maulen Ashimbayev, Chairman of the Senate of the Parliament of Kazakhstan, was delivered by Nurtore Zhussip, Chairman of the Committee on Socio-Cultural Development and Science. Awards to para-athletes were presented by Major General Aidar Saitbekov, Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs.

Nominations within the “Chess in Education” program were presented by Sayasat Nurbek, Minister of Science and Higher Education, and Aidos Zholmanov, Chief of Staff of the Ministry of Education. The final nominations were announced by Arkady Dvorkovich, President of FIDE. Such representation at a national sports award is rare in any discipline.

The ceremony also featured a congratulatory letter from Olzhas Suleimenov, poet, diplomat, Director of the International Center for the Rapprochement of Cultures under UNESCO. His message emphasized unity, shared responsibility, and chess as a tool for societal development.

International recognition

In his remarks, FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich noted that Kazakhstan has become a model for chess development worldwide, particularly through its youth system and grassroots expansion. These words are supported by data: hundreds of international medals, world team titles, and junior world champions in recent years.

“Over the last few years, Kazakhstan, together with the Kazakhstan Chess Federation, has firmly established itself as one of the key global hubs for chess development – investing in school chess and education as well as in elite events. A huge part of this progress is connected to Timur Turlov and the Freedom Holding Corp., which he founded. Since 2022, Kazakhstan and Freedom have supported some of the biggest events in the global chess calendar – from the 2022 World Rapid & Blitz Championships in Almaty and the 2023 World Championship Match in Astana, to the 2024 WRB Teams as well as the WRB in New York that year, and many other initiatives worldwide. I am confident this is only the beginning. Many more ambitious projects are ahead, and Kazakhstan will continue to play an important role in shaping the future of world chess,” he said.

Vision from the federation

Timur Turlov, President of the Kazakhstan Chess Federation, highlighted the philosophy behind the awards: recognition not only of athletes and coaches, but also arbiters, managers, and educators working across the country toward a common goal–strengthening Kazakhstan through chess.

What produces champions: The Young Talents Support Program

A key distinction in Kazakhstan’s approach is between elite sports development and educational outreach.

The Young Talents Support Program for athletes under 16 provides grants, training camps, international exposure, and professional coaching. In 2024, 18 national team players received support totaling 454 million tenge; in 2025, 21 athletes received 425 million tenge. Over three years, Kazakhstani players across age groups have won 448 medals in official international competitions.

Standout achievements include:

Bibisara Assaubayeva – three-time World Blitz Champion
Women’s national team – historic Olympic silver in Budapest 2024
Kazybek Nogerbek – World Junior U20 Champion
Alisha Bisaliyeva – multiple youth world titles
Edgar Mamedov and Mark Smirnov – 2025 youth world champions

Over three years, the federation awarded 5 new Grandmaster and 15 International Master titles.

“Chess in Education”: 1,500 schools and 60,000 children

Separate from elite sports, the “Chess in Education” program focuses on cognitive development for all children.

The state target of 1,400 schools (2023–2027 plan) has already been exceeded: today, more than 1,500 schools and 60,000 students participate nationwide. Some 2,800 primary school teachers have been trained. In the 2025–2026 academic year, 204 students in five pedagogical universities enrolled in a specialized Minor program. Fourteen memorandums have been signed with universities.

In September 2025, Almaty hosted the III International Conference “Chess in Education” with 281 experts discussing chess’s role in the era of digitalization and AI–positioning Kazakhstan among global leaders in this movement.

Emotional highlights of the ceremony

One of the most memorable moments was the presentation of the ‘Hope of the Year’ award, named after Toktar Aubakirov. The award was personally handed to eight-year-old world champion Alisha Bisaliyeva by the first Kazakh cosmonaut himself, prompting a standing ovation.

The “Juniors of the Year” awards were presented by Olympic boxing champion Serik Sapiyev and President of the Kazakhstan Gymnastics Federation Aliya Yussupova.

Special warmth filled the hall during the para-athlete awards. Winners included Erlan Nurkhaev, Aiganim Kambarova, and Nina Zhukovskaya.

Regional emphasis

Awards for the best university, best school, and best regional branch underscore a core principle: chess development extends far beyond the two largest cities. By 2025, the federation had established fully operational branches in all 17 regional centers and three cities of republican significance, supported by centralized funding and reporting.

From the national championship to the awards stage

Notably, many stars arrived directly from the National Classical Chess Championship final, which concluded just hours before the ceremony. The new national champions – 15-year-old Sauat Nurgaliyev and 16-year-old Zarina Nurgaliyeva – represent a generation shaped by this newly built system.

A growing foundation

In three years, the number of award categories has expanded from 9 to 18. This reflects a widening circle of recognition – athletes, educators, arbiters, managers, regional leaders – all contributing to a robust chess ecosystem.

Kazakhstan’s new generation is ambitious and ready to conquer the heights of world chess. This is the principal outcome not only of one evening but of several years of deliberate, systemic work to develop chess nationwide.

Full List of Laureates – KazChess Awards 2026

Special Athlete (Visual Impairment) – Erlan Nurkhaev
Special Athlete (Mobility Impairment) – Aiganim Kambarova
Special Athlete (Hearing Impairment) – Nina Zhukovskaya
Junior of the Year (Boys U18) – Edgar Mamedov
Junior of the Year (Girls U18) – Elnaz Kaliakhmet
Best Veterans – Marat Primbetov, Inna Matveeva-Popruikalo
Best KCF Branch – Kazakhstan Chess Federation Almaty Branch
Best Young Arbiter – Akzhan Shopanov
Chess Ambassador of the Year – Aliya Ashim and Danil Lee
Media Partner of the Year – Evraziya TV (Almira Kulmukhamedova)
Best Coordinator of the “Chess in Education” Program – Gulnur Aitimova (Astana, School-Lyceum No. 8)
Best University of the “Chess in Education” Program – Kazakh National Women’s Teacher Training University
Best Teacher of the “Chess in Education” Program –
Meruert Temirova (Astana, BINOM School) and
Oryntai Sarkytbekova (Semey, School No. 27)
Team of the Year (Olzhas Suleimenov Prize) – Team KazChess, FIDE World Team Blitz Vice-Champions:
Darmen Sadvakasov,
Aldiyar Ansat,
Meruert Kamalidenova,
Elnaz Kaliakhmet,
Islam Aiten;
Team Captain – Gulmira Dauletova
Hope of the Year (Toktar Aubakirov Prize) – Alisha Bisaliyeva
Employee of the Year – Raushan Kulakhmetova
Best Female Athlete of the Year (Anatoly Ufimtsev Prize) – Bibisara Assaubayeva
Best Male Athlete of the Year (Anatoly Ufimtsev Prize) – Aldiyar Ansat

Photos: Kazakhstan Chess Federation / lk-studio

Coventry City vs Derby County football fans recreate rivalry on the chessboard

editor_d — Sat, 11 Apr 2026 08:54:50 +0000

Coventry’s CBS Arena witnessed a landmark moment over Easter as chess made its debut in the Coventry City Fan Zone.

Fans of Coventry City FC faced Derby County fans in a West vs East Midlands clash that extended beyond the pitch.

Representatives from the English Chess Federation, including National Master Paul Lam and Andy Ward of the Coventry Chess Academy, engaged fans ahead of kickoff, introducing the game to supporters of all ages.

The initiative also spotlighted the upcoming British Chess Championships, set to take place at the University of Warwick from August 1 to 9 this summer.

Joining the event were rising stars from the academy: 15-year-old Woman FIDE Master Elis Dicen, 14-year-old Candidate Master Billy Fellowes, and five-year-old prodigy Riyaan Garnsworthy, already ranked among England’s top under-7 players.

“It was a fantastic experience at the Fan Zone,” said Paul Lam. “We were blown away by the level of interest and enthusiasm from the public, particularly among young people. It was incredibly encouraging to see so many eager to learn and play.”

The day ended on a high note for Coventry as the Sky Blue Army secured a dramatic 3–2 victory over Derby County FC, capping off a memorable fusion of sport and strategy.

Alex Holowczak, the ECF Director of Events, said: “We are grateful to Coventry City Council, and Coventry City Football Club, for allowing us the opportunity to showcase chess at the Fan Zone. We are committed to creating a legacy of chess in Coventry that extends beyond this year’s British Championships, and the Fan Zone helped us bring chess to a wider audience.”

Lam added: “We’d like to thank everyone who came to meet us and play. And a special thanks to Coventry City Council and Coventry City FC for making this opportunity possible. Play up, Sky Blues!”

More than 1,000 chess players from across the UK, including the nation’s leading grandmasters and emerging young talents, are expected to take part in a series of tournaments and wider chess activities when Coventry hosts the nine-day British Chess Championships.

Players will compete for a total prize fund of £34,000 at the city’s University of Warwick, the largest prize pot in the Championship’s history, while the Women’s Championship prize fund has more than doubled.

The event in Coventry will be the 112th British Chess Championship, continuing a tradition that has run almost uninterrupted since 1904.

Coventry last hosted the Championships in 2015, when Grandmaster Jonathan Hawkins won his first British title and Akshaya Kalaiyalahan claimed the women’s championship. The city previously staged the event in 1970.

More details about the Championships can be found [HERE].

Photos: Dennis Dicen / English Chess Federation

The English Chess Federation (ECF) is the governing chess organisation in England and is affiliated to FIDE (the Fédération Internationale des Échecs). Its mission is to promote the game of chess, in all its forms, as an attractive means of cultural and personal advancement to the widest possible public. In addition, the ECF exists to develop chess by creating the means to enable the highest forms of chess excellence to be achieved, and to expand the game as a social and sporting activity.

Malagasy Chess Federation elects new Executive Board for 2026–2030

editor_d — Sat, 04 Apr 2026 21:43:16 +0000

The Malagasy Chess Federation (FMJE) has announced the election of a new Executive Board to lead the federation for the 2026-2030 mandate. The new board was elected at the General Assembly held on 28 March 2026.

Mrs. Johanna Rakotonianina Tiana has been elected as the new President and Delegate of the Madagascar Chess Federation. See the complete directory of new board members, including their roles and contact details, below:

Madagascar Chess Federation – New Board Members (PDF)

FMJE also shared its new official headquarters address:
Lot IBF 16 Ter A – Tour SAHAVOLA 2ème étage – Porte 202 Antsahavola – Antananarivo – Madagascar.

The official certificate of conformity from the Ministry of Sports is currently being finalized and will be forwarded to FIDE shortly to complete the federation’s records.

Malagasy Chess Federation looks forward to strengthening its ties with the FIDE, the African Chess Confederation, and the entire international chess community.

Photo: Fédération Malagasy de Jeu d’Echecs

Ghana Chess Association successfully elects new executive council members

editor_d — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 14:18:07 +0000

Accra, Ghana – February 22, 2026 – On Saturday, February 21, 2026, the Ghana Chess Association held a congress to elect a new executive council, as mandated by the association’s constitution. The elections were organised and supervised by a three-person electoral committee chaired by Mr. Ambrose Amexo.

Voting took place from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, after which the results were declared and the new executives were sworn in by a senior member of the Ghana Olympic Committee.

The results were as follows:

PRESIDENT

Acheampong David: 14 (17.07%)
Ashley Christiana Naa Merley: 68 (82.93%)

VICE PRESIDENT (ADMINISTRATION)

Ayiku Angela Naa Amerley (Yes): 77 (93.9%)
Ayiku Angela Naa Amerley (No): 2 (2.44%)

VICE PRESIDENT (TECHNICAL)

Fomevor Clinton Cephas: 65 (79.27%)
Tandoh Charles Raymond Appiah: 16 (19.51%)

GENERAL SECRETARY

Kporxah Maxwell Kwasi (Yes): 77 (93.9%)
Kporxah Maxwell Kwasi (No): 3 (3.66%)

FINANCIAL SECRETARY

Mills-Pappoe Benjamin Adoayi (Yes): 73 (80.02%)
Mills-Pappoe Benjamin Adoayi (No): 5 (6.1%)

TREASURER

Dzima Betty (Yes): 76 (92.68%)
Dzima Betty (No): 3 (3.66%)

ORGANISING SECRETARY

Acheampong George Koomson: 62 (75.61%)
Senyegah Paul: 18 (21.95%)

PLAYERS’ REPRESENTATIVE

Anhwere Bernard (Yes): 78 (95.12%)
Anhwere Bernard (No): 1 (1.22%)

YOUTH COORDINATOR

Benson Maud (Yes): 76 (92.68%)
Benson Maud (No): 2 (2.44%)

FSI’s new Federal Technical Center open its doors in Spilimbergo, Italy

editor_d — Mon, 29 Sep 2025 15:59:12 +0000

On September 27, the small town of Spilimbergo in the Friuli Venezia Giulia region, situated between Venice and Trieste, hosted the official inauguration of the new Federal Technical Center of the Italian Chess Federation (FSI).

The event’s significance was underscored by the attendance of CONI President Luciano Buonfiglio and Italian Government Minister Luca Ciriani. They were joined by local authorities, including Spilimbergo Mayor Enrico Sarcinelli and his council—key supporters of the project—and representatives of the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region, which provided generous financial backing.

The new Center will serve as a dedicated hub for a wide range of activities, including:

Technical training camps for the Open, Women’s, and Senior national teams.
Sessions for the Federal Chess School and advanced training for promising young talents.
Training camps organized by Regional Committees.
Conferences and refresher courses for instructors, referees, and sports managers.
National and local sporting events.

This centralizes functions that were previously outsourced to various hotels on a case-by-case basis.

“The purchase of this property is a turning point for our Federation,” said FSI President Luigi Maggi. “It is a true watershed moment in our century-long history that will make us even stronger and more capable of facing future challenges. It is also a wonderful gift for the 105th anniversary of the Federation, which was founded in September 1920. My thanks go to the Municipality of Spilimbergo and the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region for their concrete support, as well as to CONI and Sport e Salute for their ongoing guidance and contributions to our progress.”

Luca Ciriani, Minister for Parliamentary Relations, expressed his satisfaction: “Hosting the Federal Technical Center of the Italian Chess Federation in our region, in Spilimbergo, is a privilege that fills us with pride. We are proud to host such a historic federation and will do our best to support such a demanding discipline. I thank everyone for their commitment, and I am confident that Spilimbergo will rise to the challenge.”

Asian and Americas Chess Federations sign Memorandum of Understanding

editor_d — Tue, 19 Aug 2025 16:53:48 +0000

The Asian Chess Federation and the Confederation of Chess for the Americas have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen collaboration in the field of chess activities. The agreement was signed on August 18, 2025, in Barranquilla, Colombia, by President of the Confederation of Chess for the Americas Jose Carrillo Pujol, and General Secretary of the Asian Chess Federation Hisham Al Taher.

The Memorandum sets out a framework for joint initiatives in player training, coach education, exchange programs, research, and the promotion of chess among young people. Both federations will work together to develop school chess projects, youth festivals, and professional training opportunities, while also sharing expertise in curriculum design, sports management, and infrastructure.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich underlined the importance of this collaboration: “I always thought from the start of my service that this horizontal type of collaboration is critically important. It is not that it can be done top to the bottom. There should be activities and initiatives both planned and implemented at the horizontal level between individual federations, between zone federations, and between continental federations…I am happy to see that you are signing this agreement and I look forward to the results.”

Under the agreement, each side will facilitate exchanges of players, coaches, officials, and administrators, as well as cooperate on the creation of teaching materials and development programs. The two federations also plan to collaborate on research and innovation in chess training and education.

The Memorandum will remain in effect for three years, with the possibility of renewal.

Icelandic Chess Federation celebrates its centenary anniversary

editor_d — Mon, 23 Jun 2025 18:34:49 +0000

The Icelandic Chess Federation celebrated its 100th anniversary this weekend. Founded on June 23, 1925, it is one of the oldest chess federations in Europe.

The President of Iceland, Ms. Halla Tómasdóttir, attended the official centenary celebrations. FIDE was represented by Secretary General Łukasz Turlej and European Chess Union (ECU) President Zurab Azmaiparashvili, along with ECU Vice-President Gunnar Bjornsson. The event was hosted by Ms. Jóhanna Björg Jóhannsdóttir, President of the Icelandic Chess Federation. The presence of these distinguished guests underscored the significance of this historic milestone for both Icelandic and international chess.

The Icelandic Chess Federation, originally established in Blönduós on June 23, 1925, commemorated its centenary with a special chess festival held in the same town. The program featured various events, including the Icelandic Chess Open, which brought together nearly all of the country’s top players alongside several strong international grandmasters—making it one of the most significant chess events in Iceland in recent years.

FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich sent a congratulatory letter on the occasion, which can be viewed below:

Letter to the Icelandic Chess Federation on Its Centenary Anniversary (PDF)

Mongolian Chess Federation President appointed as nation’s Prime Minister

editor_d — Fri, 13 Jun 2025 12:56:35 +0000

His Excellency Zandanshatar Gombojav, the acting President of the Mongolian Chess Federation, was approved as the Prime Minister of Mongolia by the State Great Khural (Parliament) at its plenary session on June 12.

Apart from being the President of the Mongolian Chess Federation, from 2019 to 2024 Zandanshatar Gombojav served as the Chairman of the Parliament of Mongolia. He has worked in the fields of academic research, economics, and foreign affairs, as well as at the state legislative and executive levels since 1992.

FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich extended his congratulations to Mr Gombojav on his appointment.

“Your elevation to the highest executive office in Mongolia comes at a time when your vision, experience, and political wisdom are most needed,” Dvorkovich stated.

The FIDE President further highlighted that, as the head of the Mongolian Chess Federation, Gombojav has been a steadfast advocate for the growth and promotion of chess, both as a competitive sport and an educational tool.

“Under your leadership, Mongolia has made remarkable progress in developing its chess culture and nurturing young talents. FIDE deeply appreciates your efforts in integrating chess into national programs and international cooperation. We are confident that your new role will offer further opportunities to advance the values of strategic thinking, education, and international collaboration – principles that chess embodies and promotes globally”.

FIDE Delegation applauds Jamaica Chess Federation for leadership in social impact through chess

editor_d — Tue, 20 May 2025 13:47:47 +0000

Kingston, Jamaica – May 20, 2025 — A high-level delegation from FIDE concluded a successful visit to Jamaica from May 17–19, commending the Jamaica Chess Federation (JCF) for its groundbreaking social chess initiatives and longstanding leadership in the Caribbean region.

Dana Reizniece, Deputy Chair of the FIDE Management Board, was welcomed to the region by CCA President José Carrillo and CCA Vice President Francisco Cruz. The delegation met with JCF President Peter Myers and key members of the Council, including IM Jomo Pitterson, Maxine Brown, Richard Shaw, Ian Wilkinson KC, and WIM Deborah Richards-Porter. Meetings were also held with Jamaica Olympic and Paralympic Association President Christopher Samuda, representatives from the Department of Correctional Services, and leaders of the Jamaica Society for the Blind.

During the visit, the delegation observed the federation’s impactful community outreach programs, including its initiatives in correctional facilities and work with the visually impaired.

“The trip to Jamaica was amazing! The federation is powered by people who are not just passionate about chess, but about using it to change lives. Truly a golden team,” said Dana Reizniece. “In this Year of Social Chess, Jamaica’s work with the blind and incarcerated communities exemplifies the very heart of our mission, to make chess accessible and impactful for all.”

JCF President Peter Myers expressed gratitude for the visit, noting, “This was a moment to show that chess in Jamaica is more than competition, it’s a tool for transformation. We are committed to expanding access to all communities and deeply appreciate FIDE and CCA’s support.”

CCA President Jose Carrillo added, “Jamaica has a rich history of leadership in chess across the Caribbean, and they continue to set the bar in 2025 for FIDE’s Year of Social Chess. The federation’s dedication to inclusion and innovation serves as an inspiration for the entire region. What we’ve witnessed here is a living model of how chess can change lives.”

As a key outcome of the trip, CCA Vice President Francisco Cruz will return to Jamaica in June to lead a School Instructor Seminar and continue engaging with the JCF’s social initiatives as part of his work with the FIDE Diversity Commission.

The delegation departed with renewed inspiration and a commitment to spotlight Jamaica’s efforts as a blueprint for socially impactful chess development.