The World Cadet Chess Championship 2025 officially opened in Almaty, Kazakhstan, on September 19 and will continue until September 30. This prestigious event has attracted more than 850 talented players from 88 countries, competing in the under-8, under-10, and under-12 categories. Notably, the host nation has entered over 200 participants, showcasing its commitment to the sport.
Strong Support for Chess Development in Kazakhstan
The tournament occurs amidst robust government backing for chess in Kazakhstan. In the days leading up to the championship, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev visited the national Chess House, a former presidential residence transformed into a training center for young chess enthusiasts, which opened last December. During his visit, he interacted with aspiring young athletes and members of the national chess team, underlining the government’s focus on developing chess and supporting youth initiatives.
The opening ceremony was a grand affair, attended by senior officials including Deputy Prime Minister Yerzhan Kosherbayev, Almaty Akim Darkhan Satybaldy, FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich, and KazChess President Timur Turlov. Turlov expressed his enthusiasm for the unprecedented number of participants, describing this event as a milestone for Kazakh chess and highlighting their strong position as one of the leading contenders in the competition.
In addition to the ceremonial speeches, the event featured vibrant musical and dance performances by Kazakh artists, creating an atmosphere of celebration and national pride. After the performances, the national anthem and the FIDE anthem were played, marking the official commencement of the championship. The officials made ceremonial first moves on the top boards in the U12 Open and U12 Girls sections, symbolizing the start of the challenging matches ahead.
Throughout the tournament, rounds will be played daily, except for September 25, which will serve as a rest day. This day will include an exciting excursion to the Shymbulak mountain resort, as well as the World Problem-Solving Championship and a blitz tournament featuring a $2,000 prize fund. The diverse activities planned for this day reflect the tournament’s commitment to not only competitive play but also to fostering camaraderie and enjoyment among young chess players.