World Youth Chess Olympiad U-16 concludes in Barranquilla, Colombia
The city of Barranquilla has written a new chapter in the history of international chess. From August 16 to 23, 2025, the Colombian Caribbean capital became the heart of the chess world, hosting the U-16 World Youth Chess Olympiad—an unforgettable event that brought together more than 45 delegations from five continents. For eight days, the playing hall was filled with strategy, talent, and dreams. The ticking of clocks, the silence of concentration, and the emotions of every move transformed Barranquilla into a true temple of youth chess. Team rankings – champions crowned After nine rounds of fierce battles, camaraderie, and resilience, the final standings crowned the world’s best youth teams: FIDE 1 – Absolute Champion, with a flawless record of 9 victories in 9 rounds. Uzbekistan – Runner-up, with 7 wins and 2 draws. Kazakhstan 2 – Third place, with 7 wins and 2 losses. The top-seeded FIDE 1 team dominated the competition, securing gold with a round to spare. Uzbekistan affirmed its status as a new powerhouse of youth chess, while Kazakhstan showed that its young generation is ready to compete at the highest level. Individual brilliance – board winners The Olympiad also shone a spotlight on individual talents dominating their boards: Board 1 medalists: 1 place – GM Ivan Zemlyanskii (FIDE 1) – 7.5/9 2 place – IM Mukhammadzo Suyarov (Uzbekistan) – 7/9 3 place – IM Sauat Nurgaliyev (Kazakhstan 1) – 7/9 Board 2 medalists: 1 place – GM Savva Vetokhin (FIDE 1) – 8/9 2 place – IM Khumoyun Begmuratov (Uzbekistan) – 7/9 3 place – Matvei Savelev (FIDE 2) – 7/9 Board 3 medalists: 1 place – GM Artem Uskov (FIDE 1) – 8/9 2 place – FM Alan Petukhov (Kazakhstan 1) – 8/9 3 place – IM A.R. Ilamparthi (India) – 7/8 Board 4 medalists: 1 place – CM Prathamesh Sherla (India) – 8/9 2 place – WIM Jinela Rodríguez Rivero (Cuba 1) – 8/9 3 place – WGM Anna Shukhman (FIDE 1) – 7/9 The Olympiad was more than a sporting competition—it was a celebration of diversity, unity, and cultural exchange. Players of different languages, religions, and traditions sat across from one another, proving that on the 64 squares, everyone speaks the same language: the language of chess. Barranquilla, with its warmth and hospitality, embraced every delegation as family. It became a place where new friendships were born, dreams were nurtured, and the spirit of fair play shone brightly. Closing ceremony to remember The closing ceremony blended sport, art, and culture in an unforgettable evening. Champions were honored in the presence of distinguished guests, including: Daniel Trujillo, Secretary of Sports, Mayor’s Office of Barranquilla Akaki Iashvili, FIDE Special Tasks Director Weymar Fernando Muñoz, President of the Colombian Chess Federation Erick Hernández, representative of the Chess Confederation of the Americas (CCA) Eduardo de la Rosa, Governor of Atlántico The legendary Banda de Baranoa brought the evening to life with vibrant rhythms and a spectacular performance that filled the hall with joy, music, and color. Delegations clapped, danced, and celebrated together, closing the Olympiad not as rivals, but as one global family. The Colombian Chess Federation expresses its deep gratitude to all delegations, federations, organizers, and sponsors who made this world-class event possible. Thanks to their commitment, Colombia has shown itself not only as a chess-loving nation, but also as a country capable of hosting events of global excellence. This Olympiad produced more than champions—it created memories, friendships, and inspiration. It proved that chess is not confined to the board: it is a school of life, a bridge between cultures, and a path toward a brighter future for youth. Barranquilla bids farewell with pride and joy, crowned the World Capital of Youth Chess 2025. The pieces are now at rest, but the spirit of this Olympiad will remain alive in every child who dared to dream, compete, and win—not just on the board, but in life. Photos: Federación Colombiana de Ajedrez Official website: youtholympiad2025.fide.com/