Turkmenistan is advancing its place on the global chess scene with a bold vision: to grow a new generation of players who hold their own in international competitions. From hosting FIDE-rated tournaments to celebrating homegrown grandmasters, the country’s ambitions are steadily taking shape.
Turkmenistan is advancing from regional tournaments to international acclaim, with a chess system increasingly defined by structured goals, rising talent and growing participation.
A nationwide chess awakening
Once marked by informal clubs and occasional events, today’s chess scene in Turkmenistan is seeing rapid development. Across Ashgabat, Arkadag and beyond, chess tournaments now regularly draw hundreds of participants, creating opportunities for players of all ages.
In 2024 alone, around 130 FIDE‑rated tournaments (classified by the International Chess Federation) were staged across the country in classical, rapid and blitz formats, helping widen access and practice opportunities for players young and old. The large‑scale Turkmenistan Chess Federation Cup held in Ashgabat in October 2024 drew 285 competitors, highlighting the sport’s deepening roots within Turkmen society.
More recently still, in March 2025, the national federation launched another initiative – a Grand Prix circuit linking six regional events – bringing structured competition and clear progression routes to aspiring players.
At grassroots level, regional clubs like “Küşt Älemi” are fostering talent and boosting female participation, while international training sessions with FIDE masters and online seminars have raised standards nationwide.
Nurturing the next generation of players
Youth chess has become a cornerstone of Turkmenistan’s strategy to grow the sport. Across the country, children as young as six are taking up the game through school programmes, regional clubs and grassroots tournaments.
The recent International Junior Chess Tournament in Ashgabat welcomed participants from countries including India, Iran and Russia, with Turkmenistan’s young players gaining valuable experience against strong international opponents.
These events go beyond competition and are designed to inspire young players and equip them with the skills to progress into higher levels of the game. The federation’s introduction of training camps and junior development plans is already bearing fruit, with several Turkmen juniors improving their FIDE ratings in recent months.
As more young players take to the board and seasoned champions continue to compete internationally, Turkmenistan is proving that with the right strategy and mindset, the country’s vision of long-term chess success is achievable.
Grandmasters and global breakthroughs
The nation’s growing roster of chess masters reflects its global competitiveness. Saparmyrat Atabayev, Turkmenistan’s most recent grandmaster (GM), secured his title in 2025 after tying first in Tashkent’s international “Al‑Beruniy” event back in February.
Other established names, including Mesgen Amanov (GM since 2009) and Yusup Atabayev (GM since 2023), continue to inspire the next wave of players. Meanwhile, the first-ever Turkmen representative – Woman FIDE Master Lala Shohradova – successfully qualified for the prestigious FIDE Women’s World Cup in Batumi held in July 2025.
At team level, Turkmenistan’s men’s and women’s squads surpassed expectations at the 45th World Chess Olympiad in Budapest (2024), both finishing in the top third of the global rankings—an historic achievement for the country. Their unity, coaching and psychological preparation were credited for this breakthrough.
What’s next on the board?
Looking ahead, the Chess Federation of Turkmenistan (CFT) plans to expand its calendar of international events, continuing its rollout of the regional Grand Prix circuit and integrating national rankings and higher league qualifications. Turkmen players are also set to feature in upcoming qualifying events and global tournaments in Greece, Kazakhstan and beyond.
Under the leadership of Chairman Vepa Myalikgulyev, the Chess Federation of Turkmenistan (CFT) will continue to strategise on growth through coaching, seminars and camps, putting young people at the heart of its chess development to build a foundation for long-term success.
As Turkmen players sharpen their skills in national and international tournaments, guided by seasoned masters, they embody the country’s wider ambitions for the future.
