Timur Turlov to head International School Chess Federation

Timur Turlov, president of Kazakhstan’s Chess Federation (KazChess), has been named head of the newly established International School Chess Federation (ISCF), which will operate as an affiliate organization of the International Chess Federation (FIDE). The initiative to create the ISCF was presented at FIDE’s General Assembly in Budapest during the 45th FIDE Chess Olympiad, held from Sept. 10 to 22.

According to KazChess, Turlov’s proposal to create and lead the ISCF was endorsed by a vast majority of the FIDE General Assembly. In his address to delegates, Turlov explained that the ISCF’s mission would be to unite national school chess associations and promote the global integration of chess into school curricula.

«We aim to bring together national associations and support the integration of chess into schools. Our goal is to provide resources and guidance to assist countries in creating effective school programs. Chess enhances students’ knowledge and critical thinking skills. We see it not only as a means of promoting a culture of learning but also as a bridge connecting countries and continents,» Turlov said.

The KazChess president also highlighted that the federation is eager to share its experience in incorporating chess into school curricula, aspiring to become a leader in the global chess community. Through collaboration with authorities, chess has been introduced as a subject in 350 schools nationwide since the start of the academic year. Instructional materials have been developed and are actively being used in classrooms.

Moreover, the federation offers free online and in-person training for teachers. Over 600 elementary school teachers have participated in the training sessions so far. Kazakhstan’s Comprehensive Chess Development Plan, adopted in July 2023, aims to introduce chess to at least 1,400 schools by 2027.

The General Assembly in Budapest also elected two representatives from Kazakhstan to FIDE’s governing bodies: KazChess Executive Director Gulmira Dauletova was elected to the FIDE Verification Commission and Olga Baskakova, executive director of legal affairs at Freedom Finance Global Plc., was elected to the Ethics and Disciplinary Commission.

The 45th FIDE Chess Olympiad kicked off on Sept. 11 in Budapest. Kazakhstan was represented at the international tournament by men’s and women’s teams, featuring the country’s top chess players. This Olympiad set a record with 197 teams registered in the open (men’s) championship and 184 teams in the women’s championship.