FIDE World Schools Team Championship commences in Aktau, Kazakhstan

The new scholastic flagship FIDE competition started in Aktau on August 4, 2023, bringing together more than 400 students from 53 countries. These young chess enthusiasts are competing in two age categories: up to 12 years old and 18 years old.

Two rounds were played at the Halyk Arena on the first day. As many as eight teams in the U18 and five in the U12 sections won both matches. Notably, the Istanbul ENKA High School team from Turkey, competing in the U18 category, showcased exceptional skills by winning all of their games and reinforcing their position as the main favourites of the tournament.

The day started with the grand Opening Ceremony at the prestigious Assembly of Peoples of Kazakhstan. Among the distinguished guests were Mr Arkady Dvorkovich, the President of the International Chess Federation, Mr Timur Turlov, the President of the Kazakhstan Chess Federation, and Mr Nurlan Nogaev, Akim of Mangistau region, where Aktau is situated.

„A few months ago, we thought bringing more than 50 countries to the World Schools Team Championship was an almost impossible mission, but together we made our idea a reality. And I want each and every one of you to dream of something that seems impossible and achieve it,“ said Arkady Dvorkovich greeting the participants.

„This championship is in full compliance with our strategic objective of building an intellectual nation, strengthening human potential and promoting the cult of knowledge. And school-level chess should play a key role in it,“ noted Timur Turlov.

„Schoolchildren from four continents came to the Caspian coast to defend the honour of their school and country with dignity. I am sure these talents will conquer great milestones and become champions in the future. It is also worth noting the merit of coaches and parents because their work is behind each victory,“ said Nurlan Nogaev.

Nurlan Nogaev made the symbolic first move in the U18 category, while Timur Turlov the honours in the U12 tournament, and the chess fighting commenced.

Eight teams in the Under 18 section won both matches, finishing the day with four match points:

Istanbul ENKA High School (TUR)
Republican School of Physics and Mathema (KAZ)
Velammal Vidyalaya Alapakkam, Chennai (IND)
Gymnasium Theodorianum Paderborn (GER)
Author’s educational complex of the gymn (KGZ)
Riga State Gymnasium No. 1 (LAT)
Sumgayit City No-1 Secondary School (AZE)
ABSE Escuela (PAR)

In the Under 12 category, five teams are in the lead with perfect 4 match points:

Lyceum School No. 8 for Gifted Children (KAZ)
Velammal MHS Mogappair (IND)
Saco Oliveros (PER)
Lviv Academic Gymnasium (UKR)
Szkoła Podstawowa nr 48 im. Szarych Szer (POL)

Rounds 3 and 4 will be played on Saturday, August 5. The winners will be determined on August 7.

Apart from the thrilling competition, this event offers a diverse excursion and entertainment program, ensuring that participants and guests have an unforgettable time in Aktau. The historic World Schools Team Championship presents a unique opportunity for young chess players from around the globe to showcase their skills while getting to know new cultures, enjoying a friendly atmosphere and making new friends.

About World Schools Team Championship 2023

Schoolkids come to Aktau from all over the world to defend the honour of their school and country. The Championship is organized by FIDE and Kazakhstan Chess Federation, with the support of the akimat of Mangistau region, as well as the Ministry of Culture and Sports of Kazakhstan and the Ministry of Education of Kazakhstan. Freedom Holding Corp is the General Partner and Sponsor. 

Official website: wstcc2023.fide.com 

Photos: Flickr (can be used only for media reporting about the event, with credit given to Kazakhstan Chess Federation)