Ashgabat Hosts Chess Tournament for Members of the Diplomatic Corps
On June 18, the French Institute in Turkmenistan hosted a chess tournament for representatives of diplomatic missions accredited in Turkmenistan and their family members. The event, dedicated to the International Day of Chess, was jointly organized by the Chess Federation of Turkmenistan and the French Institute in Turkmenistan.
The tournament brought together chess enthusiasts from the diplomatic community, providing a platform for intellectual competition, friendly interaction, and the strengthening of international ties in an informal setting.
Welcoming remarks were delivered by Vepa Malikgulyyev, Chairman of the Chess Federation of Turkmenistan, and Vincent Lorenzini, Director of the French Institute in Turkmenistan.
Following the official opening, participants were briefed on the tournament regulations and playing rules. The ceremonial first move was made by Vincent Lorenzini, Vepa Malikgulyyev, a representative of Resmi Kepil Insurance Company, the tournament's main sponsor, and Tajikistan's Ambassador to Turkmenistan, Vafo Alibek Niyatbekzoda, who attended the event as a guest and supporter.
The competition was held under the Swiss system in a blitz format, consisting of seven rounds with a time control of seven minutes plus a three-second increment per move. The tournament's chief arbiter was FIDE Arbiter Mergen Kakabayev, assisted by National Arbiter Ogulsuray Bayrambayeva.
Throughout the tournament, participants demonstrated excellent concentration, strategic thinking, and the ability to make quick decisions under time pressure.
The event was conducted in an atmosphere of fair play, mutual respect, and sporting spirit.
"Chess is a universal language that unites people regardless of national borders, professions, or positions," the organizers noted. Such events contribute to the development of "chess diplomacy," creating additional opportunities for cultural dialogue and strengthening friendly relations among representatives of different countries.
After seven rounds, Rahman Saparbayev of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) claimed first place with a perfect score of seven points.
Volker Basche of the Embassy of Germany finished second with six points.
While Michael Finn of the British Embassy secured third place with five points.
Special awards were also presented during the closing ceremony. Yelina Larina of the United Nations Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia was recognized as the best female player. The youngest participant, 11-year-old Komron Niyatbekov, representing the Embassy of Tajikistan, also received a special prize.
The award ceremony was held in a warm and friendly atmosphere. The organizers expressed hope that chess tournaments for the diplomatic corps would become a regular tradition, fostering cultural interaction and informal dialogue among members of the international community in Turkmenistan.
The tournament also marked the symbolic conclusion of the chess club season organized by the Chess Federation of Turkmenistan at the French Institute. Due to the summer break, all educational sections of the Institute, including the chess club, will be temporarily suspended from July until mid-September.
