On 19–20 August 2026, Ashgabat will host the Kids Expo-Chess Cup 2026—the first official international rapid and blitz chess tournament in Turkmenistan—as part of the International Exhibition and Fair “KIDS EXPO: Everything for Children.” The event features young chess players in the U8, U10, and U12 categories from over 15 countries.
Young athletes from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Iran, and other countries will compete at the chessboards.
The tournament will serve as a major international event beyond the youth competition. Grandmasters, champions, and representatives of international and national chess federations from Türkiye, Jordan, Cambodia, Nepal, Pakistan, Japan, Sri Lanka, Syria, Libya, and other nations will also arrive in Ashgabat.
Their participation brings together young chess players, professional competitors, and representatives of the global chess community on a single platform, creating opportunities for networking, exchange of experience, and the development of international ties in youth chess.
The Kids Expo-Chess Cup will be conducted under the rules of the International Chess Federation (FIDE) and will form part of the business and sports program of KIDS EXPO 2026.
In addition to the competitive program, several chess activities will be organized for participants and visitors, including a free-play zone, masterclasses, educational events, presentations, and a chess quiz. Visitors will have the chance to play, test their knowledge, and interact with professional players and experts.
Special attention will be paid to the development of youth chess and chess education. The program features meetings and events for educators, coaches, organizers of chess programs, and anyone interested in advancing chess among children and youth.
The tournament organizers and partners are the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan, the International School Chess Federation (ISCF), the Turkic Chess Association (TCA), the Freedom Asian Chess Initiatives (FACI) program of the Kazakhstan Chess Federation, the Chess Federation of Turkmenistan, and TurkmenExpo company.
Hosting this first official international chess tournament as part of KIDS EXPO 2026 marks a significant milestone for the development of youth chess in Turkmenistan and will expand international sports and educational cooperation.
The Kids Expo-Chess Cup will take place on 19–20 August 2026 at the Exhibition Center of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan in Ashgabat within the framework of the International Exhibition and Fair “KIDS EXPO: Everything for Children,” scheduled for 19–22 August 2026. /// nCa, 12 August 2026 (material provided by the Organizers)