How Kazakhstan’s strategy strengthened its position on global chessboard

Kazakhstan’s rise in the world of chess has been swift and strategic. In just a few years, the country has gone from regional contender to global force, earning medals on international stages and inspiring a new generation of prodigies.

A combination of fresh leadership, solid funding, and a systematic approach, from introducing chess in schools to supporting professional players, has created a thriving ecosystem. Chess has entered media and community life, becoming a symbol of intellectual ambition and national pride.

Women lead the way, with five Kazakh players in FIDE’s Top 100 Women, inspiring a wave of young talents.

Funding and organisation

Although Kazakhstan has nurtured a strong chess tradition since the Soviet times, a new chapter in its development began in 2023. That year, local fintech entrepreneur and one of the country’s wealthiest businessmen, Timur Turlov, became president of the KazChess Federation, bringing with him both resources and ambition.

“We have a very strong, federation-sponsored programme to support young talent, providing equipment, software and access to the best trainers,” Turlov explained. “We cover their personal training and tournament expenses.”

For Turlov, chess is more than a game; it’s a means of promoting Kazakhstan’s image abroad and investing in the nation’s intellectual capital.

“If we want to have strong and sustainable development in our country and for our business, it's very important to pay attention, especially to these intellectual games, because the development of human capital is extremely important for sustainable growth,” he added.

The funding Turlov has provided has allowed many players to not only train but also compete in major tournaments.

Woman grandmaster Xeniya Balabayeva, who frequently represents Kazakhstan abroad, says that before federation sponsorships, finances were a major obstacle.

“International tournaments are very expensive and it’s really hard to afford, especially when you’re paying on your own. A few years ago, I covered all my expenses myself — it cost a lot.”

While funding has been crucial, experts stress that Kazakhstan’s progress is also the result of a systematic approach.

“The Soviet Union, right up until its collapse, was so far ahead of everyone else because it had an organisational system. Much the same thing is being done now in Kazakhstan. The structure is completely different, but still, there’s a systemic approach,” explained Yevgeniy Vladimirov, grandmaster and Head Coach of Kazakhstan’s Youth Chess Team.

That system now includes introducing chess into schools and clubs, organising amateur and professional tournaments, promoting the sport through media and expanding Kazakhstan’s global presence.

The power of queens

Women’s chess has been central to Kazakhstan’s rise. Five Kazakh players are currently listed among FIDE’s Top 100 Women, a testament to both talent and tradition.

For example, Balabayeva is among 16 female grandmasters in Kazakhstan’s history. She is a world champion in blitz and rapid chess and a member of the national team that won historic silver at the 2024 Budapest Olympiad.

Vladimirov attributes this success to structural factors. “First of all, there’s less competition in women’s chess. That is, if female chess players achieve certain success, that’s already considered a significant milestone,” he noted.

The federation’s growing participation base reflects this success. As of August 2025, the KazChess Federation counts 20,462 registered players, of whom just over 3,000 are women.

A young person’s game

Kazakhstan’s chess scene is increasingly defined by a new generation of prodigies. Advances in technology and modern training methods are helping cultivate a new generation of grandmasters, ready to compete at the highest level.

“If you want to become world champion, you probably need to reach grandmaster level by 14 or 16. The competition is extremely hard, but we see grandmasters younger and younger every year,” Turlov highlighted.

Balabayeva also noted the shift in age. “I’ve heard many stories of kids starting at three or four. It’s easier to achieve something when you start younger, but I also think children should still enjoy their childhood before entering professional sport,” she said.

Among the country’s rising stars is 11-year-old world champion Alimzhan Zhauynbay, who won gold at the Fujairah Global Chess Championships this August. A two-time world school chess champion and silver medallist from the Abu Dhabi International Chess Festival, he represents the new face of Kazakh chess.

“I learned to play during the pandemic. Dad taught me and my brother. I liked it a lot. Later we started professional training with a coach. My main objective right now is to become an international master,” Zhauynbay shared.

Kazakhstan’s modern chess renaissance may still be in its early stages, but the achievements already speak volumes. With systematic support, rising stars and a national commitment to intellectual growth, the country is steadily cementing its place on the world’s chessboard.