Almaty becomes the continental showcase for school chess
From April 7 to 10, 2026, the Kazakh city of Almaty is hosting one of Asia’s most important school chess gatherings. The Asian Continental Stage of the World Schools Team Championship 2026 has officially begun, organized by FIDE and the International School Chess Federation (ISCF) with the support of general partner Freedom Holding Corp. This event is more than a tournament bringing strong school teams together at the board; it is also the opening step of a newly designed global school chess cycle. The winners of the continental stages across four continents will qualify directly for the Grand Final in December 2026, where they will battle for the world title.
The fact that the Asian stage comes first on the calendar gives it special significance. As the event that sets the tone for the season, this opening leg highlights both competitive strength and the educational mission of school chess. FIDE and ISCF’s decision to declare 2026 the “Year of Chess in Education” is one of the clearest signs of that vision. The initiative emphasizes that chess is not merely a sport or a mind game, but also an effective tool for developing critical thinking, strategic planning, concentration, memory, discipline, and teamwork. The team format in particular places the spotlight not only on individual performance, but also on collective responsibility and resilience at the board.
In a video message to participants, FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich said the main goal is to integrate chess more deeply into school systems around the world. He noted that FIDE is working with governments, cooperating with international organizations, and staging school tournaments and conferences to promote wider recognition of chess as a powerful educational instrument. The structure of the Almaty event reflects that same vision, as the program includes not only games but also workshops, educational sessions, and masterclasses. As a result, young players have the opportunity to improve not just in the standings, but also in terms of chess culture and educational development.
At the same time, Dvorkovich is in Cyprus for the 2026 Candidates Tournament, one of the most prestigious events in world chess, where the right to challenge the World Champion is decided. The presence of Bibisara Assaubayeva among the notable names there is especially significant for Kazakh chess. For that reason, the school team event in Almaty goes beyond being simply a youth competition and also reflects the region’s growing chess identity. The Asian stage not only puts future talents on display, but also offers an important model for how the link between chess and education can be strengthened at an institutional level.