The Turkmenistan Team Chess Championship, which took place from 22 to 28 March in Ashgabat at the capital’s specialized chess and checkers school, has come to an end.
The tournament was organized by the National Chess Federation using a round-robin system. This marked the first such event in the history of independent Turkmenistan, opening a new chapter for the development of team chess in the country.
A total of 12 elite teams participated, including:
- 3 teams from the Ashgabat Specialized Chess and Checkers School;
- 2 teams representing the Lebap Velayat Sports and Physical Culture Committee;
- One team each from the Ashgabat and Ahal Velayat Sports Club for the Disabled, the National Sports Games Center of Turkmenistan, the Ahal Velayat Sports and Physical Culture Committee, the “Galkan” Sports Club of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Turkmen State Institute of Physical Culture and Sports, the “Kusht Alemi” Chess Academy, and “Halk Hazyna” IE.
In total, 100 players competed across 11 rounds. Throughout the week, teams displayed intense competitive spirit and a high-level battle of wits. Each match was played across six boards. Team “AŞGABAT” secured a confident victory over all opponents thanks to a balanced roster where every player matched the strength of their rivals.
The youngest participants were from team “NESIL”, consisting entirely of children aged 12 to 14. These young players enthusiastically challenged adult opponents and renowned masters, even defeating some by demonstrating impressive teamwork and composure.
One of the most fierce battles unfolded on the first board between the players of “AŞGABAT” and “GALKAN”—brothers Maksat and Saparmurat Atabayev. Facing each other as opponents to defend their respective teams’ honors, their game lasted five hours and ended in a draw. Ultimately, this draw helped “AŞGABAT” secure the overall victory.
The awards ceremony was held on 28 March 2026. The final standings for the championship are as follows:
- I Place: Team “AŞGABAT” (Ashgabat Specialized Chess and Checkers School)
- II Place: Team “GALKAN” (Sports Club of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Turkmenistan)
- III Place: Team “TALYP SPORT” (Turkmen State Institute of Physical Culture and Sports)
The champion teams were presented with winner’s cups, while players received honorary certificates and medals. Individual awards were also granted to the top three players on each board.
The first Turkmenistan Team Chess Championship has become a highlight of the national sporting calendar, setting a strong foundation for the future of team chess in the region. ///Chess Federation of Turkmenistan