A few years ago, no one could have imagined Kazakhstan emerging as a chess power despite the presence of several talented players. However, Timur Turlov’s joining the Kazakhstan Chess Federation was a turning point. His leadership not only strengthened the country’s position in the international arena but also laid the foundation for preparing future generations of grandmasters. Turlov’s approach to chess and sports development has led to impressive results Kazakhstan can be proud of.
Focus on youth
One of Turlov’s key initiatives is working with young people. In 2023, an independent commission selected 45 promising male and female chess players for their further support. This was a major step in nurturing future champions. A youth championship held in Kazakhstan that year gathered more than a thousand participants. Turlov firmly believes that leaders are those who shape the culture around themselves. The efforts have already paid off as young Kazakhstani chess players began winning medals in the international arena.
The year of great achievements
Kazakhstani chess made history in 2023. Astana hosted the FIDE World Cup, which turned the capital city into a center of global chess. This event not only strengthened Kazakhstan’s chess community status but also inspired a new wave of enthusiasts.
The Kazakhstani team won the most medals at the 2023 FIDE World School Championship, with young stars Alanna Berikkyzy and Amina Kairbekova becoming new role models. In the professional arena, Kazybek Norgebek secured a world junior champion title, while Alisher Suleymenov sensationally defeated Magnus Carlsen. These remarkable achievements have secured their place in history.
Women’s chess and international initiatives
Special attention is paid to developing women’s chess. For the first time, a Kazakhstani women’s team won medals in the Asian Games. Additionally, Shymkent hosted the second stage of the FIDE Women’s Grand Prix. Within the Freedom Asian Chess Initiatives, Kazakhstan supports chess federations in Cambodia, Nepal, Oman, Tajikistan and Sri Lanka, solidifying its leadership in the region.
Turlov’s efforts obtain well-deserved recognition as he received the title of «Best President of an Accredited Sports Federation» during the 2023 Uzdik Awards ceremony. Additionally, his name was listed among the potential candidates for the FIDE presidency, underscoring his influence beyond Kazakhstan.
A step into the world of football
Turlov’s success goes far beyond chess. Being also interested in football, he launched the Super Bol project, aimed at identifying talented young players in both urban and rural areas. He then became the main investor in the junior football league, the Freedom QJ League, which already yields promising results. Players who participated in Turlov’s programs have frequently been invited to join international clubs. Notably, Dulat Talyspayev and Ilyas Abil, after playing in the QJ League, have signed contracts with professional teams in Denmark and Portugal, respectively.
Over the past several years, Turlov emerged as a key figure in the development of Kazakhstani sports. His approach, based on systematicity and foresight, suggests a positive vision of the future.
Fans and athletes are only left to observe what this story of success would develop into.
