Turkistan is set to host the Kazakhstan National Chess Championship for children and juniors from January 20 to 30, 2026. This event will select the nation's young talents for international competitions. Organized by the Kazakhstan Chess Federation, it underscores the city's rising status as a chess hub.
Turkistan continues to strengthen its position as Kazakhstan’s new chess hub. From January 20 to 30, 2026, the city will host the Kazakhstan National Chess Championship for children and juniors under 18. This key event in the national selection system determines who will represent the country at major international tournaments of the season.
The championship takes place at the Olympic Reserve Training Center in Turkistan, organized by the Kazakhstan Chess Federation with support from the Ministry of Tourism and Sports of the Republic of Kazakhstan. For ten days, it will become the focal point for the nation’s strongest young chess talents.
Results will shape Kazakhstan’s national team for international events in 2026, offering winners direct tickets to elite world junior chess. Medals are contested in seven age categories—from U6 (born in 2020 and younger) to U18 (born in 2008 and younger)—across classical, rapid, and blitz disciplines. Players may compete in higher age groups, adding intrigue.
The schedule includes:
- January 20–27: Classical (90 minutes + 30 seconds per move)
- January 28–29: Rapid (15 minutes + 10 seconds)
- January 30: Blitz (3 minutes + 2 seconds)
Each discipline features nine rounds under the Swiss system.
Interest is heightened by 2025's historic success: Kazakhstan's youth team finished first in the world medal standings, winning five golds at the World Championship. On November 28, 2025, medalists were received by the Head of State at Akorda. That year, Kazakh players secured 122 medals overall: 52 gold, 32 silver, and 38 bronze at world, Asian, and regional events. Many champions will compete in Turkistan.
Favorites include world champion Alisha Bisalieva in U10 and Alimzhan Zhauynbay in U12. In older groups, Mark Smirnov, Sauat Nurgaliyev, and Artyom Bogdanov draw attention. Experts say the competition rivals international tournaments.
The prize fund totals 15,120,000 tenge. Classical winners receive 250,000 tenge for first, 150,000 for second, and 100,000 for third; rapid and blitz offer 100,000, 80,000, and 70,000 respectively. Coaches of classical champions get 80,000 tenge each.
Classical champions qualify for events like the World Cup U8–12 in Batumi (June 2026), World Cadet Championship U8–12 in Batumi (November 2026), and World Junior Championship U14–18 in Montesilvano (June 2026). Runners-up head to the Asian Championship, while bronze medalists qualify for other regional and world events.
This tournament showcases the future of Kazakh chess, with live broadcasts at https://s1.chess-results.com/tnr1308375.aspx.
