2nd FIDE Olympiad for People with Disabilities reaches its midpoint
The 2nd FIDE Chess Olympiad for People with Disabilities in Astana has reached its half-way mark – the equator of this inspiring event. With Round 3 underway, the excitement and determination in the playing hall grow stronger each day. The first ceremonial move of the round was made by Dinara Naumova, Member of the Parliament of Kazakhstan, together with Akaki Iashvili, FIDE Special Tasks Director. “Before the first move, I spoke with the contestants – they were positive and confident. The atmosphere is wonderful, and the team spirit is inspiring,” said Dinara Naumova. “It’s an honour for Kazakhstan to host this event. I wish every player success and the strength to never give up. Team spirit makes us stronger.” Her words perfectly captured the spirit of the event – one of unity, resilience, and shared joy. The strength and spirit of the players Every participant at this Olympiad has a remarkable story. For them, every move on the board represents persistence, focus, and the triumph of the human spirit. Luisa Molina, from Team Colombia, shared her joy at being part of this inclusive event: “This Olympiad for People with Disabilities has been one of the best experiences we’ve ever had! This isn’t your usual event – it provides a space for inclusion.” Aryan Joshi from India, a first-time participant, was full of enthusiasm and optimism: “Feeling amazing – this is my first Olympiad for people with disabilities. Despite disabilities, despite the challenges on and off the board, everyone here is giving their best. Everyone is very friendly and very happy. Disability is not something that makes us less – we are differently able, not disabled.” Niloy Chakraborty, a coach for players with hearing impairments and an accompanying person at the event, emphasized the importance of opportunity: “I’ve worked with disabled students for a long time. I’ve shown them tournaments, helped them find opportunities, and organized many events for differently able teams. Here, everyone can participate – and they do, as equals.” Eugenio Campos, representing the IPCA team, coming from Angola, shared how chess became part of his life from a very young age: “This is a well-organized event; it gives us, players with disabilities, the opportunity to play against others from different countries. I thank IPCA, FIDE, and the Kazakhstan Chess Federation. I started chess when I was five – my cousin taught me, and since then, chess has meant a lot to me. Most of my life, I’ve played chess – it’s everything to me.” Another remarkable player of IPCA team is IM Igor Yarmonov from Ukraine, a five-time IPCA World Champion and International Master of both chess and chess composition. His wife and accompanying person, Galina Yarmonova shared: “We are grateful to all the organisers, volunteers, and staff for the wonderful atmosphere in Astana, for the excellent conditions for the players and their companions – everything is of the highest standard! This is our first time at such an Olympiad, and we thank the referees and volunteers for their kind, individual approach to each player.” “Throughout Igor’s life, chess has helped him overcome challenges and see the world – and we are happy to represent this big chess family,” she added. Even after the event, Igor continues contributing to the chess world as a judge for multi-move problems in the FIDE Album – evaluating compositions from around the globe. Inspiration beyond the board Every player finds their own motivation to keep going, and we asked, “Who is your favourite chess player in history?” Answers came quickly and with admiration: Magnus Carlsen, José Capablanca, Garry Kasparov, Anatoly Karpov, Bobby Fischer, and Mikhail Tal were among the most mentioned. But one response stood out. Jesús Osorio from Panama said: “My favourite chess player is not a famous person, but he is a very good chess player – my friend Osvaldo Herrera Graham.” A beautiful reminder that inspiration doesn’t only come from world champions, but also from those who encourage us personally – friends, coaches, and loved ones who share the same passion. The battle for the top Position of the day Today’s Position of the Day came from the exciting battle between Syed Ejaz Husain (Bangladesh) and Ben Kaufmann (Germany). Although Black’s position was slightly worse, they could still defend with 20…Nd6, trading off White’s active knight on f5. Instead, 20…Ne6?? was played, ignoring of White’s mounting kingside pressure. White immediately took advantage with 21. Ne5!, and after 21…Ra6?!, taking no heed of danger, came 22. Qg4 — launching a decisive attack. Black tried 22…Kh7, defeinding h6, but the storm was already breaking. White delivered a stunning blow 23. Nxh6!!, a brilliant sacrifice that ripped open Black’s kingside. After 23…gxh6 24. Qf5+ Kg8 25. Qxf7+ Kh8 26. Ng6#, it was checkmate. This brilliant finish reminds us of one of the great lessons of chess — and life: sometimes, you must take risks and trust your calculation. Evaluating, understanding, and acting with courage can lead to victory both on and off the board. Looking ahead As the Olympiad crosses its midpoint, the energy in Astana continues to rise. Every player here proves that chess is not only a sport of the mind, but a triumph of spirit, inclusion, and shared humanity. The standings after Round 3 and pairings for Round 4 can be found here: Chess Results – 2nd FIDE Chess Olympiad for People with Disabilities Official website: dis-olympiad2025.fide.com/
FIDE President Statement
Human life and dignity are fundamental values shared by all of us. While we hold deep respect and love for the game of chess that unites our community, these values must always come first. In recent times, public debate within the chess world has too often moved beyond the boundaries of acceptable, harming not only people’s reputation but their very well-being. When this happens, discussions can turn into harassment, bullying, and personal attacks — a particularly serious concern in today’s environment. The chess community has long respected the achievements of GM Vladimir Kramnik, and his contributions to our sport are undeniable. The same high standards that accompany great achievements, however, also confer a responsibility to uphold the principles of fairness and respect and to be ambassadors for the sport. Therefore, I, along with the FIDE Management Board, will formally refer all relevant public statements made by GM Vladimir Kramnik — both before and after the tragic death of GM Daniel Naroditsky — to the FIDE Ethics and Disciplinary Commission for independent consideration. At the same time, I reaffirm that FIDE will take appropriate action in any case where a lack of respect, public harassment, or bullying is observed within the chess community. We all share responsibility for ensuring that our sport remains a space of integrity, respect, and humanity — values that must always prevail over hostility and division. Arkady Dvorkovich, FIDE President
Turkic world: A joint move toward chess unity
A memorandum to establish the Chess Association of Turkic-Speaking Countries signed in Astana, Kazakhstan On October 20, 2025, in Astana, representatives of Kazakhstan, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan signed a Memorandum of Intent to establish the Chess Association of Turkic-Speaking Countries (TSCCA). This document formalizes the creation of a new structure designed to unite the chess federations of the Turkic world. The next step will be the legal registration of the TSCCA, paving the way for its full operational launch. The candidacy of Ilaha Gadimova (pictured below, right), a former prominent chess player from Azerbaijan and now a sports official, has been proposed for the position of TSCCA Secretary General. The idea for the association was conceived in September 2024 during the 45th Chess Olympiad and the FIDE General Assembly in Budapest. The participating countries agreed then to collaborate on developing a structure affiliated with FIDE. The association aims to strengthen ties between national chess federations, exchange experience and ideas, organize major tournaments, and develop programs for children and youth. Special attention will be given to promoting chess in schools and universities to inspire a new generation of players. The memorandum was signed in a ceremonial setting on the eve of the 2nd Chess Olympiad for People with Disabilities. The event was attended by Arkady Dvorkovich, President of FIDE, and Timur Turlov, President of the Kazakhstan Chess Federation. “The Turkic world is rich in chess traditions, great names, and strong schools. Now we have a common platform that will allow us to unite our efforts, share experience, and nurture a new generation of champions. This project brings us together not only through sport but also through our shared history and culture — which is why I am confident in its success,” said Timur Turlov. The association’s headquarters are planned for Turkistan, the cultural capital of the Turkic world. Turkey will chair the association until the end of 2025, with Kazakhstan assuming the leadership starting in 2026. The member countries represent a region with a population of around 170 million people and are home to over 100 grandmasters. The creation of the TSCCA is expected to significantly strengthen the chess movement across the Turkic world and enhance its collective presence on the global chess stage.
World Senior Championships 2025 commence in Gallipoli, Italy
The 33rd FIDE World Senior Championships kicked off in the Grand Hotel Costa Brada, Gallipoli, Puglia, Italy, on October 21. The 2025 edition has set a new record, with 467 players participating. The players come from 67 different countries, with some even traveling halfway around the globe, flying in from New Zealand, South America, and South Africa. Of these, 55 participants are competing in the women’s competitions. The largest field is in the 65+ seniors category, with 247 players taking part. The championships are played as 11-round Swiss-system tournaments with classical time control (90 minutes plus a 30-second increment per move) and feature four categories: Open and Women’s sections for the 50+ and 65+ age groups. Four 2500+ GMs – Kiril Georgiev (BUL, 2526), Murtas Kazhgaleyev (KAZ, 2518), Alexandre Qashashvili (GEO, 2505), and Victor Mikhalevski (ISR, 2504) – headline the 50+ Open section, while reigning European Senior Champion GM Zurab Sturua (GEO, 2491) leads the 65+ Open starting list. GMs Pia Cramling (SWE, 2403), Ketevan Arakhamia-Grant (SCO, 2269; pictured above), IM Masha Klinova (ISR, 2235), and Monica Calzetta Ruiz (ESP, 2221) enter the 50+ Women’s competition as the top seeds. The legendary Nona Gaprindashvili tops the 65+ Women’s starting list. In recognition of the record turnout, FIDE has increased the total prize fund from €43,000 to €50,000. The category winners will receive: €5,000 (Open 50+), €2,100 (Women 50+), €3,000 (Open 65+), and €1,500 (Women 65+). In addition, the champions will be awarded free entry and complimentary hotel accommodation at the 3rd Cap Negret Senior Open (50+ and 65+), taking place from November 8–16, 2025, in Altea, Alicante, Spain. Special prizes for players aged 75 and above have also been increased. Several side activities will complement the main event, including two FIDE-rated blitz tournaments. The opening ceremony commenced with the playing of the Italian national anthem and the FIDE anthem, with all participants rising in a festive gesture. The competitions were officially opened by Tournament Director Cristina Rigo, co-organizer Matteo Zoldan (Chairman, WSCC 2025), and Yana Sidorchuk (FIDE Technical Delegate), who attended as the representative of FIDE. FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich is expected to attend the award ceremony on November 1. Patrick Van Hoolandt (AC Chair) from Monaco delivered a welcome speech, wishing all participants wonderful experiences, new friendships, and many unforgettable memories throughout the tournament. Chief Arbiter Arno Eliens from the Netherlands reviewed the rules and officially signaled the start of the first round. Full results and pairings are available on Chess-Results. Official website: worldseniorchampionship2025.com/