On International Chess Day, as the world celebrates the timeless game of strategy, intellect, and skill, Kazakhstan’s female chess champions stand out as shining examples of talent and determination.
International Chess Day marks the founding of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) in 1924, The Caspian Post reports via Kazakh media.
This year, FIDE has designated 2025 as the Year of Social Chess, focusing on the game’s power to promote inclusion, education, empowerment, and mental health. The campaign’s theme, “Every Move Counts,” reminds us that every decision shapes our broader journey-on the board and in life.
While Kazakhstan’s chess history is still in its early stages, the country has already showcased remarkable talent. Kazakh women, in particular, are rising stars in this traditionally male-dominated arena, combining precision, focus, and memory to achieve international acclaim.
On July 11, 19-year-old Meruert Kamalidenova stunned the chess world by defeating reigning Women’s World Cup champion Aleksandra Goryachkina during the FIDE Women’s World Cup. This breakthrough signals promising prospects for Kamalidenova to join Kazakhstan’s elite grandmasters, including Zhansaya Abdumalik and Bibisara Assaubayeva.
Considered one of Kazakhstan’s greatest female chess talents, Zhansaya Abdumalik first made headlines by winning the World Youth Chess Championship in the under-8 category in 2008-Kazakhstan’s first-ever world chess title. In 2021, she made history again as the first female grandmaster from Kazakhstan and Central Asia. Now 25, Abdumalik is currently on a professional hiatus but remains a key promoter of chess through her academy.
Another rising star, Bibisara Assaubayeva, made history at 17 by becoming the youngest Women’s World Blitz Champion in 2021. In 2025, she surpassed a 2500 rating, becoming Kazakhstan’s second female grandmaster. In June 2025, she gained rare recognition with an invitation to compete in the male-dominated Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour, becoming only the third woman ever to do so. Last year, Assaubayeva topped three FIDE rankings simultaneously in the under-20, blitz, and rapid categories.
Kazakhstan’s chess excellence extends to its youth. At the 2025 FIDE World School Chess Championship in Serbia, Kazakhstan was the top-performing nation. Seven-year-old Abdul-Malik Kairat from Astana won gold in the Open U7 category, joined by gold medalists Alisha Bissaliyeva (Girls U9), Alimzhan Zhauynbay (Open U11), and Artyom Bogdanov (Open U17).
Kazakhstan’s growing chess culture is bolstered by hosting major events. Almaty welcomed the 2022 FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Championships, while Astana has hosted the FIDE Women’s Grand Prix and World Team Chess Championship. The 2023 FIDE World Chess Championship in Astana, featuring grandmasters Ian Nepomniachtchi and Ding Liren, marked a landmark moment by bringing world-class chess directly to Kazakh audiences. Ding Liren’s victory further energized local fans.
