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.
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.
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.
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/
