President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev received newly elected FIDE President Timur Turlov and congratulated him on his election to lead the International Chess Federation.
During the meeting, the sides discussed the development of chess in Kazakhstan, the country’s growing role in the international chess community, and further cooperation between FIDE and the Kazakhstan Chess Federation.
President Tokayev noted that chess holds a special place in Kazakhstan, serving not only as a sport but also as a vital tool for developing the intellectual potential of the younger generation. He also highlighted the recent progress of Kazakh chess school, including the strong results of its national teams and the silver medal won by the Kazakhstan’s women’s team at the 46th FIDE Chess Olympiad in Samarkand.
Currently, more than 278,000 people across Kazakhstan are actively engaged in chess, reflecting the rapid growth of the game in the country in recent years.
President Tokayev stressed the importance of strengthening cooperation between the Kazakhstan Chess Federation and FIDE. This includes advancing educational initiatives, providing professional development for coaches and arbiters, and hosting major international chess events in Kazakhstan.
FIDE President Timur Turlov, who also serves as President of the Kazakhstan Chess Federation, noted that the country’s experience could serve as a valuable example of how government support, coordinated investment, educational integration, and federation development can produce measurable results.
He observed that over the past three years, Kazakhstan has achieved significant progress, marked by strong results from top players and national teams, the wider introduction of chess in schools, greater investment in coach training, and expanded opportunities for young players across the country.
Turlov added that Kazakhstan’s experience demonstrates how a systematic approach and close cooperation among the federation, government, schools, and the private sector can accelerate the growth of chess. As FIDE President, he intends to help other national federations develop stronger systems adapted to their unique circumstances while sharing Kazakhstan’s effective practices with the global chess community.
President Turlov also briefed President Tokayev on FIDE’s priorities for the coming years, which include expanding chess in education, strengthening support for national federations, improving professional training for coaches and arbiters, developing youth chess, and creating more opportunities for international cooperation.
The meeting concluded with President Tokayev wishing President Turlov every success in his new role as FIDE President.