The three-day International Chess Tournament among young athletes ended in Turkmenistan with vivid emotions and unforgettable impressions. This intellectual competition brought together 129 talented participants aged 8, 10 and 12 from 11 countries in Europe and Asia, turning Ashgabat into a center of children's friendship and sports aspirations.

The tournament, held at the specialized chess and checkers school of Ashgabat, became not just a test of sports skills, but also a real celebration of childhood. Each battle on the board was imbued with the spirit of healthy rivalry and mutual respect, demonstrating the true values ​​of sports, where victory is important, but friendship is priceless.

Year of Peace and Trust: Festive Ceremony in Arkadag

The tournament culminated in a touching awards and gift ceremony, which took place on June 18 at the Markaw Hotel Celebration Center in the modern “smart” city of Arkadag. Gifts to young chess players — brand new laptops, symbolizing a connection with the future and knowledge, were presented on behalf of National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov by the Charity Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Care.

This gesture became a clear indication of the special attention paid in Turkmenistan to the younger generation and the development of children's sports. The hospitality of Turkmenistan extended to everyone: valuable gifts were also received by the parents, coaches and doctors accompanying the young athletes.

The ceremony was attended by high-ranking officials, including the mayor of the city of Arkadag, the manager of affairs of the Khalk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan, as well as heads of public organizations, representatives of diplomatic missions and schoolchildren of the city of Arkadag, which gave the event a special solemnity and significance. The organization of such competitions in the International Year of Peace and Trust has a deep meaning, becoming the embodiment of these ideals.

Results of the Competition: Victories that Inspire new Achievements

Young chess players demonstrated a decent level, and Turkmenistan is rightfully proud of the achievements of its talents.

In the overall medal standings for the rapid and blitz tournaments, the team of Turkmenistan confidently took first place, having won 19 awards (7 gold, 6 silver and 6 bronze medals).

Second place went to young chess players from Uzbekistan, who took home 7 awards (4 gold and 3 silver medals).

Third place was won by representatives of Kazakhstan with 7 medals (1 gold, 3 silver and 3 bronze).

Among the numerous bright performances, it is worth noting the victories of Turkmen athletes who confirmed their high class: Charykhekim Charyev (boys aged 8, rapid and blitz), Lyale Vepayeva (girls aged 10, rapid), Dilber Khupbyeva, Aiya Bayramova and Nurana Soyunova (the entire podium in rapid, girls aged 12), Anna Charyeva (girls aged 8, blitz) and Dunya Ruslanova, Lyale Vepayeva, Jumasoltan Mukhammetberdieva (the entire podium in blitz, girls aged 10) and again Aiya Bayramova (girls aged 12, blitz).

Peace, Friendship and Sports: An Example to Follow

Foreign guests and participants of the tournament were very enthusiastic about the high organizational level of the competitions in Ashgabat. The modern capabilities of the Specialized Chess and Checkers School and the beauty of the “smart” city of Arkadag made an unforgettable impression on everyone.

This International Chess Tournament was not only evidence of the growing sports potential of Turkmenistan, but also a vivid confirmation of the success of sports diplomacy implemented by the country in the interests of universal peace, prosperity, friendship and brotherhood. The event clearly demonstrated how sports can build bridges between peoples, strengthen harmony and solidarity, giving children from all over the world a happy and peaceful childhood.

The gala evening ended with a festive concert with the participation of children's creative groups of Turkmenistan. A "musical bouquet" of popular songs, a fiery Turkmen national dance kushtdepdi and a final song glorifying the ideas of neutrality and the International Year of Peace and Trust became a bright end to this unforgettable holiday. Foreign guests expressed sincere gratitude to the country's leadership and all the tournament organizers for the warm hospitality and impeccable conduct of all events.

ORIENT