United States hosts 2025 World School Team Chess Championship, awarding Kazakhstan's educational institution second place.
Kazakhstan's National School of Physics and Mathematics Wins Silver at FIDE World Schools Team Championship 2025
In a remarkable display of chess prowess, Kazakhstan's National School of Physics and Mathematics from Almaty claimed the silver medal at the FIDE World Schools Team Championship 2025. The tournament, held from August 2 to August 7 in Alexandria, Virginia, USA, attracted 55 teams from 48 countries.
The Kazakhstan team performed exceptionally well, finishing with the same number of match points as The Harker School (USA) but edging them out on tiebreaks to secure second place. Individual honours for the Kazakhstan team included Imangali Akhilbay winning the gold medal on board two with a perfect score of 8/8. Edgar Mamedov and Zarina Nurgaliyeva each earned bronze medals.
The overall champion and gold medal winner of the event was Velammal MHS School from Chennai, India, which achieved a perfect score, winning all eight of their matches. The Harker School from the United States took the bronze medal.
Individual and Team Achievements
| Team | Medal | Notes | |----------------------------------------|-------------|------------------------------------------| | Velammal MHS School (India) | Gold | Perfect 8/8 team score | | National School of Physics and Math (Kazakhstan) | Silver | Equal match points with USA but won on tiebreaks | | The Harker School (USA) | Bronze | Close third place behind Kazakhstan |
Individual board medalists from Kazakhstan: - Imangali Akhilbay: Gold on board two, perfect 8/8
Other Kazakhstan medalists (bronze): - Edgar Mamedov - Zarina Nurgaliyeva
Organisation and Support
The tournament was organised by the International School Chess Federation under FIDE's auspices and supported by sponsors including Freedom Holding Corp. The event ran alongside the Smart Moves Summit, a conference exploring chess in education.
Turlov's Perspective
Timur Turlov, president of the International School Chess Federation (ISCF) and the Kazakhstan Chess Federation, congratulated the participants of the tournament. He emphasised that the tournament is both a sporting event and a vital tool for the development of the entire chess movement in Kazakhstan. Turlov noted that Kazakhstan not only participated but also contributed significantly to organising the tournament. He described the medals won by the Kazakhstan team as the product of dedication, perseverance, and strong team spirit.
For Kazakhstan, the tournament's success proves that their systematic work in schools is delivering real results. The tournament's success is considered a priceless experience for the young players from Kazakhstan. The high level of the event is a point of pride for Kazakhstan, according to Turlov.
[1] Kazakhstan Chess Federation's press service report (August 7, 2025) [2] FIDE official website (August 7, 2025) [3] Alexandria City Public Schools announcement (August 7, 2025) [4] Freedom Holding Corp. press release (August 7, 2025)
Sports, such as chess, played a significant role in showcasing Kazakhstan's academic and athletic excellence at the FIDE World Schools Team Championship 2025. The nation's National School of Physics and Mathematics displayed impressive sportsmanship, securing the silver medal in this prestigious competition.
