The President of Kazakhstan supported the proposal to include chess in the school curriculum at the meeting with world champions and international grandmasters, Akorda reports. Zhansaya Abdumalik, Dinara Saduakassova, Bibisara Assaubayeva, Guliskhan Nakhbayeva and the Chess Federation leadership were invited to the presidential residence.
“The fact is that I’d like chess to become a very popular activity. Some people say that chess is not a sport, but still, I believe it is a sport, although of course, it is a special sport that is associated with a huge strain on the intellectual abilities of each athlete,” Tokayev said.
Kassym-Jomart Tokayev also listened to a number of proposals on the development of this sport in the country and on the creation of the necessary infrastructure conditions.
“At present, we do not have systemic state support in the country. I believe that we need to build a boarding school with chess and IT focus. I discussed this issue with the mayor of the city. I want to build such a facility in Almaty, where children from all over the country will study. We will select the most talented kids. 1,500 children will be trained on the basis of the school. Of these, 300 children will train in a specialized boarding school,” added Kazakh chess player Zhansaya Abdumalik.
Tokayev expressed hope that Kazakhstan women's team will successfully perform at the upcoming World Chess Olympiad in India. He also stressed that he will continue to pay great attention to the development and support of this sport. In addition, the Head of State wished young athletes new victories at a global level.
Translation by Assem Zhanmukhanova
Editing by Saule Mukhamejanova
