The 2nd FIDE Olympiad for People with Disabilities officially began in Astana, Kazakhstan, bringing together 34 teams from 29 countries. Additionally, eight more nations are represented through the teams of the IPCA (International Physically Disabled Chess Association), IBCA (International Blind Chess Association), and ICCD (International Committee of Silent Chess) — making it a truly global event, with participants from 37 countries in total.
The games are hosted at the Paralympic Training Centre, one of the most advanced and accessible sports facilities in Central Asia. With two spacious playing halls, the venue offers perfect and comfortable conditions for all participants, reflecting the Olympiad’s core message of inclusion and equal opportunity.
Opening ceremony
The opening ceremony was held in a warm and inspiring atmosphere, attended by dignitaries, players, and guests who celebrated the start of this unique event.
In the main playing hall, the first ceremonial move was made by Erlan Karin, State Counsellor of the Republic of Kazakhstan; Arkady Dvorkovich, President of FIDE; and Timur Turlov, President of the Kazakhstan Chess Federation.
Timur Turlov spoke about the significance of this Olympiad, saying:
“Chess is a great symbol of equality and an opportunity to play across the globe. Having differences doesn’t change that – chess unites.”
In the second playing hall, the first move was performed by Baglana Musina, President of the Corporate Fund Freedom Shapagat; Oscar Santana Leon, Ambassador of Cuba; and Dmitriy Balandin, Olympic Swimming Champion.
FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich emphasized the importance of inclusivity in chess, noting that this Olympiad stands as a model of equal opportunity:
“Chess is inclusive, and we must ensure that everyone has access to top events. The Olympiad for People with Disabilities proves that we are creating those opportunities for all.”
He also highlighted FIDE’s broader commitment to social initiatives around the world:
“Through projects like Chess for Refugees, Chess for Freedom, and Chess for Children with Autism, we’re showing that chess is truly for everyone. This Olympiad is our flagship event – a reminder that chess is accessible and brings happiness to all who play it.”
Voices of the 2nd Olympiad for People with Disabilities
The Olympiad is not only about the results – it’s about people and their stories. Every participant brings a story of resilience, courage, and passion for the game.
Shantel Panashe Gweshe from Zimbabwe, a social worker and first-time Olympiad participant, shared her experience:
“It’s my first time coming all the way from Zimbabwe, participating in this Olympiad. What I have seen here – there’s so much inclusivity for people living with disabilities. When I go back to Zimbabwe, the first thing I’m going to do is empower other people with disabilities to ensure inclusivity and participation.”
Meanwhile, Henry Lopez from the Philippines (pictured above), who won a bronze medal at the first Olympiad in Serbia in 2023, reflected on how deeply chess has shaped his life:
“Chess for me now is my source of living. I am a national team player in the Philippines, and I receive a stipend from the government. Chess is a universal language – it’s a great equalizer. No matter how old or young you are, or whether you have a disability, you can play. Chess is for everybody.”
With determination in his voice, Henry added:
“At the previous Olympiad, we got third – this time, frankly speaking, we are aiming for number one.”
This is what the FIDE Olympiad for People with Disabilities is truly about – gathering players from all around the world, giving them opportunities to show the power of their minds, and celebrating the unifying strength of chess.
Games and results
The first round brought exciting games and strong performances by the top teams. Almost all favorites won their matches convincingly.
Uzbekistan, India, Venezuela, and FIDE 1 began their campaigns with impressive 4–0 victories.
There were, however, two notable ties: North Macedonia held the Czech Republic to a 2–2 draw, and ICCD (International Committee of Silent Chess) also drew with Argentina.
You can find all results, pairings, and standings after the first round on Chess-Results:
s3.chess-results.com/tnr1276749.aspx?lan=1&art=0&rd=1&SNode=S0
Side events in Astana
In addition to the competition, today featured two important milestones for the global chess community.
A Memorandum on Declaring 2026 the Year of Chess in Education was signed between FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich and President of the International School Chess Federation Timur Turlov, who also leads the Kazakhstan Chess Federation.
Following the signing, Timur Turlov said:
“I hope that it will help a lot of kids to discover themselves better – to train their ability for strategic thinking, to keep concentration, to build clubs, and to make friends across the globe.”
FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich highlighted that this initiative aims to significantly expand chess participation among young people:
“Our goal is to double the number of children playing chess worldwide, and our partnership with the International School Chess Federation will help us make that a reality.”
Another memorandum was signed between Turkey, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Kyrgyzstan, establishing an Association of Turkic-Speaking Countries. This new initiative aims to bring the work of these nations closer together, strengthening cooperation in chess development and the organization of joint events.
A celebration of unity and inclusion
The first day of the 2nd FIDE Olympiad for People with Disabilities set the tone for a remarkable event – one that celebrates not only competitive excellence, but also the human values of inclusion, equality, and respect.
The Paralympic Training Centre in Astana has become a home for players from all corners of the world, united by one timeless truth: chess is for everyone.
Official website: dis-olympiad2025.fide.com/
