The First National Team Chess Champion Was Crowned in Ashgabat
From March 22 to 28, Ashgabat became the epicenter of intellectual battles. The capital's specialized chess and checkers school hosted a tournament that opened a new chapter in the country's sporting history: the first Turkmenistan Team Championship. Organized by the National Chess Federation using a round-robin format, it brought together 12 of the strongest teams, bringing together 100 of the best players at the boards—from titled masters to daring juniors.
The tournament format involved play on six boards, requiring teams to demonstrate not only individual skill but also a perfect balance within their roster. This balance was the key to the success of the "Aşgabat" team, representing the capital's chess school. Throughout all 11 rounds, they demonstrated confident dominance, leaving their opponents no chance to take the lead.
One of the highlights of the championship was the performance of the "Nesil" team. Comprised exclusively of children aged 12-14, the young team was a true revelation of the tournament. With unparalleled composure, the boys attacked the positions of renowned masters, proving that in chess, age is just a number when inspiration and teamwork come to the fore.
The culmination of the sporting drama was the first-board battle between the leaders, "Aşgabat" and "Galkan." Here, fate brought together brothers Maksat and Saparmurat Atabayev. The five-hour duel, in which each defended the honor of their club, ended in a draw. This peaceful outcome proved decisive in the overall standings, handing the final victory to the "Aşgabat" team.
The Podium of the First Team Championship:
Gold: Team "Aşgabat" (Ashgabat Specialized Chess and Checkers School).
Silver: Team "Galkan" (Sports Club of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Turkmenistan).
Bronze: Team "Talyp Sport" (State Institute of Physical Culture and Sports).
In addition to cups and medals for team success, the organizers also recognized individual achievements, awarding the top three players on each of the six boards. This championship laid a solid foundation for the development of team chess, demonstrating that mind sports in Turkmenistan are reaching a qualitatively new level of entertainment and professionalism.
