
From September 19 to 30, 2025, Almaty became the epicenter of world chess, hosting the World Cadet Chess Championship (U8–U12) at the Baluan Sholak Sports Palace. The event brought together 842 young players from 88 countries, including 229 representatives from all 20 regions of Kazakhstan. The competition was held over 11 rounds under the Swiss system with classical time control: 90 minutes per game plus a 30-second increment per move.
Kazakhstan’s young stars—8-year-olds Alisha Bisalieva (Girls U8) and Adinur Adilbek (Open U8), along with 12-year-old Danis Kuandykuly (Open U12)—claimed gold medals, while the national team topped the overall standings for the second year in a row. China and the USA shared second and third, each earning one gold, one silver, and one bronze medal. China edged out the USA in total points scored by medalists—26½ to 25½.

The tournament became a true celebration of chess, with young players showcasing skill, character, and strategic talent. Kazakhstan not only hosted a world-class event but also proved the strength of its chess school.
“We managed to host one of the largest chess tournaments at the highest level, bringing together a record number of participants and giving Almaty the atmosphere of a true festival. It is especially symbolic that right here, on home soil, our young chess players achieved historic success. Alisha, Adinur, and Danis became world champions, and Kazakhstan showed the world that we have the strongest chess school and already a new generation of leaders who can become big stars tomorrow,” said Timur Turlov, President of the Kazakhstan Chess Federation.

FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich attended the closing ceremony and took part in the prize-giving. In his speech, he expressed gratitude to the participants, organizers, and supporters:
“Thank you to the players, media team, and organizers for everything you’ve done over these past days! Your professionalism, energy, emotions, and smiles made this event truly special. Thank you for your passion for the game, your determination to win, and your ability to enjoy the moment. I am confident that these days will remain a lifelong memory for all of us.
A special word of gratitude goes to the Government of Kazakhstan and the President of Kazakhstan, the Ministry of Sports and Tourism, the Chess Federation of Kazakhstan and its President, Timur Turlov, Freedom Holding Corp., and to everyone whose support made this tournament possible—with a record number of participating countries.”
2025 World Cadet Chess Championship winners and top finishers:
Girls U8 (94 players)

- Alisha Bissaliyeva (1704, Kazakhstan) – 9½ points
- Zhu Jiahe (1630, China) – 9
- Bold-Erdene Tselmeg (1661, Mongolia) – 8½
Open U8 (150 players)

- Adinur Adilbek (1935, Kazakhstan) – 9½ points
- Fedor Sidelnikov (1720, FIDE) – 8½
- Wang Yuxuan (1728, China) – 8½
Girls U10 (115 players)

- WCM Sharvaanica, A S (1971, India) – 9 points
- WCM Chinzorig Nandinjiguur (1887, Mongolia) – 9
- Kiyanna Parihaar (1728, India) – 8½
Open U10 (185 players)

- Yuan Shunzhe (1805, China) – 9 points
- CM Le Phan Hoang Quan (2031, Vietnam) – 9
- AFM Mani Sarbartho (2072, India) – 8½
Girls U12 (123 players)

- Lacey Wang (1883, USA) – 8½ points
- WFM Laurie Qiu (1994, USA) – 8½
- Milana Sokolova (1870, FIDE) – 8½
Open U12 (175 players)

- CM Danis Kuandykuly (2211, Kazakhstan) – 9 points
- CM Ali Poyraz Ozdemir (2196, Turkey) – 9
- CM Ethan Guo (2330, USA) – 8½
Full standings (chess-results)
“Kazakhstan managed to take first place in the team standings at the World Cadet Championship for the second year in a row. Last year in Italy we won two golds. This year in Almaty, we won three out of six. One gold each went to the undisputed global leaders—China, India, and the United States. This success is especially pleasing because it happened at home, in front of a record number of countries, 88 in total. It is a tremendous achievement, and we are very proud of our talents,” said Darmen Sadvakasov, First Vice President of the Kazakhstan Chess Federation.

Photos: KazChess