The World Cadet Chess Championship 2025 has officially started in Almaty, Kazakhstan. From September 19–30, more than 850 young chess players from 88 countries will compete for the titles across the U8, U10, and U12 categories. Kazakhstan, as the proud host, is represented by over 200 players.
Such impressive representation is further evidence of the strong governmental support for chess. A few days prior to the championship, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev visited the national Chess House. The building, located on the picturesque shore of Lake Kopa, was previously a presidential residence. It was repurposed for the benefit of children and opened its doors as the Chess House last December.
During the conversation with young athletes and members of the national team, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev stressed that the state pays special attention to the development of chess, as well as to the promotion of children and youth.
The glittering opening ceremony of the World Cadet Championship featured several distinguished guests:
• Yerzhan Kosherbayev, Deputy Prime Minister of Kazakhstan
• Darkhan Satybaldy, Akim of Almaty
• Arkady Dvorkovich, FIDE President
• Timur Turlov, President of KazChess
Greeting the participants and guests of the championship, the president of KazChess/KFSH (Kazakhstan Chess Federation), Timur Turlov, emphasized: “No chess tournament, and perhaps no sporting event in our country’s history, has ever gathered such an extensive lineup of participants. This is a truly historic moment for Kazakh chess and our country. But we are welcoming guests not only as hosts but also in our status as one of the world’s strongest chess nations and the tournament’s main favorite.”
Following musical and dance performances by popular Kazakh artists, the State Anthem of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the FIDE anthem were rendered.
After Yerzhan Kosherbayev, Darkhan Satybaldy, Arkady Dvorkovich, and Timur Turlov made the first ceremonial moves on the top boards in the U12 Open and U12 Girls sections, the event was declared officially open.
The rounds are played daily, except for September 25, which is a rest day. On this day, the young players will have the opportunity to take an excursion to the Shymbulak mountain resort, participate in the World Problem-Solving Championship, and compete in a blitz tournament with a prize fund of $2,000 USD.
Photos: KazChess