The FIDE World Rapid and Blitz
Team Championships 2024 are underway in Astana. The opening ceremony took place
at the capital’s amphitheater on the Yessil riverbank, featuring the torch
relay of the 45th Chess Olympiad, dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the
International Chess Federation (FIDE). The country’s Prime Minister Olzhas
Bektenov participated in the ceremony, receiving the torch from FIDE President
Arkady Dvorkovich and handing it over to Timur Turlov, President of the
Kazakhstan Chess Federation. Notably, the FIDE torch arrived directly from
France, the birthplace of the International Chess Federation.
«The lighting of the torch in
Astana is a great pride and honor for all Kazakh citizens. I believe that
hosting such a high-profile event will significantly contribute to the further
development of chess in Kazakhstan and boost interest among the younger
generation. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev places particular emphasis on the
development and promotion of the game in the country. Currently, over 200,000
Kazakh residents are involved in chess. The government has adopted a five-year
comprehensive plan for the development of chess to double this number,» said Bektenov.
The rapid and blitz team
championship in Astana features 315 of the world’s top chess players competing
in 39 teams. Kazakhstan will be represented by Bibisara Assaubayeva, Alisher
Suleimenov, Darmen Sadvakassov, Aldiyar Ansat, Meruert Kamalidenova, Alua
Nurman, and other prominent chess players.
Editor: Aizhan new
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