5th FIDE Intercontinental Online Chess Championship for Prisoners: India, El Salvador and Iran claim titles
India won the male competition after a decisive Armageddon game in a tense final match against El Salvador. The women’s tournament was also closely contested, with El Salvador taking the title after beating Ukraine. The Youth competition title went to the all-female team from Iran, which defeated England. The fifth FIDE Intercontinental Online Chess Championship for prisoners concluded after three days of play with winners crowned in the Male, Women’s and Youth categories. The event unfolded across three stages: group qualifiers (14 October), the championship stage (day two), and the finals, which concluded today. In most international chess competitions – from the Olympiad to continental team championships – players typically leave the board once their own game concludes, retreating to analyse their moves or decompress in private while their teammates fight on. But in the prison chess championship, the atmosphere was strikingly different. Here, players lingered long after finishing, following the remaining boards to offer quiet encouragement and moral support to their teammates. Even through prison facility cameras, the sense of solidarity was palpable – a team spirit born not just of competition, but of shared circumstance. In the Men’s final, India faced El Salvador in a tightly contested four-match series. El Salvador started with a 3:1 win only to be defeated by India with 3:1 in the second match. In round three, India scored a narrow victory 2.5:1.5 but in the final round they were completely dominated by El Salvador with 3:1. The results took them to tiebreaks: in the Armageddon match, Indian top-board was better, securing the crown for the team. Mongolia took third place after beating Serbia 3 in the Blitz playoffs. El Salvador also stood out in the Women’s competition, where their team beat Ukraine. Despite the narrow loss in the first match (2.5:1.5), El Salvador stormed back winning all three remaining matches with 3:1. El Salvador also had a team in the fight for third place (El Salvador 2) in the Women’s event, but they fell to Mongolia. The Youth competition saw England and Iran face off in the finals. The all-female Iranian youth team defeated England 3:1 in the first match, while the second ended in a draw. Third place went to India, defeating Ecuador in both matches 3.5:0.5. Starting with 42 teams in 2021, the fifth edition of the FIDE Intercontinental Online Chess Championship featured 135 teams from 57 countries. After five years, certain countries have shown consistent strong performance, specifically, Mongolia, Serbia and India who have so far (with the exception of Serbia this year) have consistently won a medal. “The true victory lies in the personal transformation that chess has unlocked” In his congratulatory message to the winners, FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich stated that “although today we recognise those who have come up first, every single player who participated is a winner”. The FIDE President went on to say that “the true winners of this event were not determined by the final round result or the scoresheet. In fact, the true victory lies in the personal transformation that chess has unlocked, and I hope you will see it through”. The successful conclusion of the FIDE Intercontinental Championship for Prisoners is a notable highlight of the Year of Social Chess which celebrated the game’s transformative power, providing the means for self-improvement and change. “I hope chess will continue to be a loyal part of your life, guiding you and making you happy, challenging you to move forward and improve. The games are over, but the future is wide open. Make your next move really count, make it your best move”, Dvorkovich concluded. Written by Milan Dinic About the Chess for Freedom project The Chess for Freedom project officially started in May 2021 with an online conference and an exhibition tournament with four participating countries. In October of the same year, the first International Online Chess Championship for Prisoners was held, growing each year and attracting more teams and countries. The goal of the project is to use chess as a tool for education, personal development and change, helping inmates prepare for life after release from prison. In prisons, just as in broader society, the impact of sport and games can be far-reaching. The experiences demonstrate that chess improves behaviour, helping to reduce inmate violence and developing communication skills, while promoting positive use of leisure time. Chess also drastically improves the decision-making capabilities of a group of people that, very often due to the lack of opportunities and access to proper education, has ended up in jail after making a wrong choice in life. The project is closely coordinated with the Chess For Freedom Network which operates under the auspices of the FIDE Social Commission. To get involved or get more information about the project, please visit: chessforfreedom.fide.com.
FIDE World Youth U14, U16 & U18 Championships 2025 conclude with celebration and pride
The curtains have closed on the FIDE World Youth U14, U16 & U18 Championships 2025, marking the end of two unforgettable weeks of competition, friendship, and global unity through chess. Hosted at the Grand Blue Fafa Resort in Durrës, Albania, the championship brought together 720 players from 83 federations — the world’s most promising young talents — in an atmosphere of excellence and fair play. After 11 intense rounds, the world’s best young talents were crowned in six categories: U18 Open GM Siddharth Jagadeesh (Singapore) IM Artiom Stribuk (FIDE) IM Adarsh Uppala Sriram (India)U18 Girls WIM Gao Muziyan (China) WIM Manon Schippke (France) Valeria Kleymenova (FIDE)U16 Open GM Edgar Mamedov (Kazakhstan) IM Sauat Nurgaliyev (Kazakhstan) FM Alexandr Volodin (FIDE)U16 Girls WFM Diana Khafizova (FIDE) WFM Marija Kuznecova (Latvia) Chen Yining (China) U14 Open FM Mark Smirnov (Kazakhstan) IM Haochen Jiang (China) CM Artem Lebedev (FIDE)U14 Girls WFM Polina Smirnova (FIDE) Rukiya Olimova (Uzbekistan) Jamaicah Yap Mendoza (Philippines) Each winner received their medals from distinguished guests, underlining the spirit of unity and respect that defined the championship. Applause filled the hall as the young players stood proudly, representing not only their countries but also the future of chess worldwide. The closing ceremony The closing ceremony, held on October 15, was a fitting celebration of talent and achievement, blending official addresses, cultural performances, and heartfelt moments of recognition. The evening began with the National Anthem of the Republic of Albania and the FIDE Anthem, performed by the Durrës City Band, setting a tone of dignity and international solidarity. Opening the ceremony, moderator Kozeta Kurti welcomed guests and participants, expressing gratitude to everyone who made the championship possible — from organizers and arbiters to volunteers and partners. She highlighted the event as a “celebration of friendship, respect, and shared values that connect us all through sport and intellect.” Erald Dervishi, President of the Albanian Chess Federation (FSHSH) and Grandmaster, addressed the audience with pride, emphasizing Albania’s growing role in the international chess scene: “Under the guidance of FIDE, and with the support of our partners, we have successfully hosted another world-class event that brings together young champions from around the globe. This tournament is a testament to what passion, teamwork, and vision can achieve.” The ceremony also honored the presence of distinguished guests: Erald Dervishi – President of the Albanian Chess Federation (FSHSH) Bajram Begaj – President of the Republic of Albania Fidel Ylli – President of the National Olympic Committee of Albania (KOKSH) Eduard Shalsi – Honorary President of the Albanian Chess Federation (FSHSH) Gentian Kallmi – Deputy Mayor of Durrës Ozgur Solakoglu – Technical Director of the Event / Representative of the World Chess Federation (FIDE) Fatos Çerenishti – President of FAFA Group Their attendance symbolized the recognition of chess as not only a sport, but also a tool for education, discipline, and cultural diplomacy. Honoring excellence and announcing a new partnership Before the medal presentations, the Albanian Chess Federation proudly announced a new partnership with the Kasparov Chess Foundation Academy (KCF Academy). As part of this collaboration, full scholarships will be awarded to all category champions, granting access to a 164-hour online program featuring lessons from some of the greatest chess minds — including Garry Kasparov, Fabiano Caruana, Levon Aronian, and Veselin Topalov. The announcement received enthusiastic applause, signaling a powerful continuation of the champions’ educational journey beyond the tournament. A cultural celebration The evening featured vibrant performances, including a Traditional Dance from the Mirdita region by the National Folk Ensemble and a Folk Dance from Central Albania performed by the Durrës Folk Group — celebrating Albania’s cultural richness and warm hospitality. A memorable farewell In the closing remarks, participants were thanked once more for their dedication and sportsmanship. Moderator Kozeta Kurti concluded with an uplifting note: “This concludes the Closing Ceremony of the FIDE World Youth U14, U16 & U18 Championships 2025. We congratulate all participants and champions and invite you to enjoy one last performance. Have a good night — and see you at the next championship.” A legacy for the future The 2025 FIDE World Youth U14, U16 & U18 Championships in Durrës leave behind more than medals — they mark a milestone for Albania as a growing hub for international sports and youth development. With the joint efforts of FIDE, FSHSH, KOKSH, and local partners, the event showcased how chess continues to inspire minds and connect communities worldwide. Photos: Vlera Zenjullahi and Dardan Bajrami Official website: fideworldyouth.achf.org.al/
2nd Chess Olympiad for People with Disabilities: Chess dissolves boundaries
From October 19 to 26, 2025, the city of Astana, Kazakhstan, will host the 2nd Chess Olympiad for People with Disabilities – a landmark event that celebrating inclusion, unity, and the power of the human mind. Organized by FIDE and hosted by the Kazakhstan Chess Federation, this Olympiad will bring together 34 teams from around the world, featuring players with visual, hearing, and physical impairments. While each participant may face unique challenges in daily life, at the chessboard they meet as equals—united by a shared passion for the game. The Paralympic Training Centre in Astana, one of the most advanced accessible sports venues in Central Asia, will serve as the stage for this inspiring event. The city of Astana is a perfect location – a modern and welcoming capital that has already hosted major chess events, including the 2023 FIDE World Chess Championship Match between Ding Liren and Ian Nepomniachtchi and the 2024 FIDE World Rapid & Blitz Team Championship. Photo: Anna Shtourman The Year of Social Chess FIDE has declared 2025 the Year of Social Chess, a global initiative dedicated to highlighting chess’s positive impact on society. Throughout the year, FIDE supports projects that make the game more accessible, inclusive, and transformative. The 2nd Chess Olympiad for People with Disabilities stands as one of the initiative’s flagship events—demonstrating how chess connects people of all abilities and backgrounds. From online beginnings to global growth The Chess Olympiad for People with Disabilities has a short but meaningful history. It began in 2020 with the first Online Olympiad for People with Disabilities, which brought together 61 teams from 45 countries and nearly 400 players. Held in conjunction with the United Nations International Day of Persons with Disabilities, the event saw Poland claim gold. Photo: Mark Livshitz In 2023, the dream of meeting over-the-board became reality with the 1st Chess Olympiad for People with Disabilities in Belgrade, Serbia. 23 from all continents participated, and Poland once again finished first, followed by the IPCA (International Physically Disabled Chess Association) team and the Philippines. Made possible through the collaboration of FIDE and the international organizations IBCA (International Braille Chess Association), ICCD (International Chess Committee of the Deaf), and IPCA, the event marked a historic step toward a more inclusive global chess community. Photo: Mark Livshitz Now, in 2025, the Olympiad arrives in Astana with a record 34 teams—a testament to the rapid global growth of this movement. Teams and favorites The field in Astana will be stronger than ever. The Polish team, with an impressive average rating of 2296, enters as the top seed and favorite to win their third consecutive title. Other strong contenders include Israel (2189), FIDE 1 (2176), and Cuba (2164). Teams from the USA, Philippines, Hungary, Czech Republic, Serbia, and many others will also be fighting for top places. This year’s lineup spans every continent – from Argentina to Uzbekistan, Egypt, Bangladesh, Zambia, and Kenya –showcasing chess’ unique power to unite people across cultures and abilities. Format and schedule The Olympiad is a team event: each team consisting of four players and one captain or reserve player. While there is no fixed women’s board, at least one player of each gender must compete in every round. The tournament will be played using the Swiss system, over six rounds. Time control: 90 minutes for the first 40 moves, followed by 30 minutes for the rest of the game, with a 30-second increment per move starting from move one. The default time is 15 minutes. The opening ceremony will take place on Monday, October 20, at 14:00 local time, right before the first round begins at 15:00. Rounds will be played daily at 3 PM local time, and the final, sixth round will be held on Saturday, October 25, at 11 AM. Global network of inclusion The three international organizations – the International Braille Chess Association (IBCA), International Chess Committee of the Deaf (ICCD), and International Physically Disabled Chess Association (IPCA) – have been instrumentla in promoting chess for people with disabilities. Their work, together with FIDE’s leadership, ensures that every player, regardless of physical ability, can participate in international events, connect with others, and enjoy the beauty of chess. The Chess Olympiad for People with Disabilities provides a dedicated platform for these athletes to compete, connect, and inspire one another. More than a tournament Beyond medals and standings, this Olympiad is about connection, courage, and opportunity. It affirms that true strength lies not in physical ability, but in creativity, determination, and the will to overcome challenges. In Astana 2025, the message will be clear: Chess dissolves boundaries – and the power of the mind knows no limits. Written by Angelika Valkova Official website: dis-olympiad2025.fide.com/
Champions crowned at Asian Senior Chess Championships 2025
The Asian Senior Chess Championships 2025, held in the 50+ and 65+ categories, took place in Erbil, Iraq, from October 4–14. The competitions—nine-round Swiss-system tournaments with classical time control—were organized by the Iraq Chess Federation under the auspices of the Asian Chess Federation and FIDE. Over-50 category: Aziz Umarbekov crowned champion In the Over-50 category, Aziz Umarbekov of Kyrgyzstan captured gold with a commanding 7.5/9, demonstrating remarkable consistency, composure, and tactical precision throughout the tournament. Close behind, IM Hussein Ali Hussein Al-Ali of Iraq—the hometown favorite from Erbil—delighted local supporters with his resilient play, securing silver with 7 points. GM Ramil Hasangatin (FIDE), who led early in the event, suffered a loss in the penultimate round but finished strongly to claim bronze with 6.5 points. CM Marwan Aboudi of Jordan and CM Joseph Ebenezer of India both scored 6 points, rounding out the top five in a tightly contested field. Adding to the host nation’s success, Iraqi players swept the Best Woman awards in the Over-50 category. Iman Mahdi Ahmed earned top honors with 4.5 points, followed by WCM Jwan Jamal Mohammed Ameen in second place (4 points) and Dilpak Ali Hamzah in third (3.5 points). Over-65 category: Marat Primbetov claims gold The Over-65 category witnessed equally fierce competition. Marat Primbetov of Kazakhstan clinched the title on superior tiebreaks with 6.5 points, edging out FM Hossein Aryanejad of Iran, who also scored 6.5 to take silver. Randolph Schain of Cambodia completed the podium with 6 points, while Aliasghar Akhavan Rad of Iran and FM Ali Jalal Adil of Iraq followed closely with 5.5 points each. The Best Woman in this category was WGM Galina Strutinskaia (FIDE), who scored 5 points in a highly competitive field. Blitz Championship The concluding blitz tournament merged both age groups, producing fast-paced excitement as players battled for final honors. Although the event combined the divisions, awards were presented separately by age category. GM Ramil Hasangatin (FIDE) bounced back brilliantly to capture the Blitz Over-50 title with 7.5 points, sharing the top score of WGM Galina Strutinskaia (FIDE) and FM Hossein Aryanejad of Iran. In the Blitz Over-50 section, Hasangatin took gold with 7.5 points. Hussein Ali Hussein Al-Ali of Iraq, maintaining his strong form from the classical event, earned silver, while CM Salih Al-Aqrabi of Yemen secured bronze—both finishing with 6.5 points after an intense race for the podium. The Blitz Over-65 section brought another success for WGM Galina Strutinskaia, who captured gold with an outstanding performance of 7.5/9. FM Hossein Aryanejad of Iran, a former national champion, earned his second silver medal of the tournament, demonstrating impressive consistency across both formats. CM Abdul Kareem Kashush from Iraq completed the podium with 6 points, proudly securing bronze for the host nation. In the Best Women blitz category, Iraqi players continued to shine: Dilpak Ali Hamzah won gold with 4 points, followed by WCM Jwan Jamal Mohammed Ameen (3.5 points) and Bayan Jamal Mohammed Ameen (3 points). Special recognition On the sidelines of the final rounds, Hisham Al Taher (second from left), General Secretary of the Asian Chess Federation, accompanied by Dhafer Madhloom (left), President of the Asian Zone 3.1 and the Iraqi Chess Federation, and Dr. Dlzar Hama Salih Qadir (right), President of the Khanzad Chess Club, paid a courtesy visit to Dr. Rebar Ahmed, Minister of Interior of the Kurdistan Region. During the meeting, Hisham Al Taher presented the Asian Personality of the Year award to Dr. Rebar Ahmed, in recognition of the late Barzani’s selection as Asia’s Personality of the Year, acknowledging his enduring legacy and support for regional development and culture, including the promotion of chess in Kurdistan and Iraq. A historic 1974 photo shows the late Kurdish leader Mustafa Barzani playing chess with American journalist Dana Adam Schmidt—a moment that inspired the Asian Chess Federation’s 2025 tribute. As the curtain fell on the Asian Senior Chess Championships 2025, Erbil reaffirmed its place as one of Asia’s most welcoming and vibrant chess destinations — where legends of the game continue to write new chapters in the timeless story of chess. For full results, visit chess-results.com Live games at Lichess