World Cadet Chess Championship 2025: Kazakhstan Shines with Three Golds
From September 19 to 30, 2025, Almaty hosted the World Cadet Chess Championship (U8–U12) at the Baluan Sholak Sports Palace. The event attracted 842 young players from 88 countries. Kazakhstan sent 229 players from all 20 regions.
The tournament had 11 rounds using the Swiss system. Each game followed classical time control: 90 minutes plus a 30-second increment per move.
Kazakhstan’s young stars dominated the event. Alisha Bisalieva (Girls U8), Adinur Adilbek (Open U8), and Danis Kuandykuly (Open U12) won gold medals. The Kazakhstan team also topped the overall standings for the second year in a row.
China and the USA shared second and third places. Each won one gold, one silver, and one bronze. China edged out the USA in total points: 26½ to 25½.
The championship was a true celebration of young chess talent. Players displayed skill, strategy, and sportsmanship. Kazakhstan not only hosted a world-class event but also highlighted the strength of its chess school.
Timur Turlov, President of the Kazakhstan Chess Federation, said:
“Hosting one of the largest chess tournaments was a huge success. On home soil, our young players became world champions. Kazakhstan’s chess school is strong, and a new generation of leaders has emerged.”
FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich attended the closing ceremony. He thanked players, organizers, and supporters. He added that the event would remain a lifelong memory for everyone involved.
2025 World Cadet Chess Championship Winners:
Girls U8 (94 players)
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Alisha Bissaliyeva (Kazakhstan) – 9½ points
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Zhu Jiahe (China) – 9
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Bold-Erdene Tselmeg (Mongolia) – 8½
Open U8 (150 players)
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Adinur Adilbek (Kazakhstan) – 9½ points
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Fedor Sidelnikov (FIDE) – 8½
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Wang Yuxuan (China) – 8½
Girls U10 (115 players)
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WCM Sharvaanica A S (India) – 9 points
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WCM Chinzorig Nandinjiguur (Mongolia) – 9
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Kiyanna Parihaar (India) – 8½
Open U10 (185 players)
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Yuan Shunzhe (China) – 9 points
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CM Le Phan Hoang Quan (Vietnam) – 9
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AFM Mani Sarbartho (India) – 8½
Girls U12 (123 players)
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Lacey Wang (USA) – 8½ points
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WFM Laurie Qiu (USA) – 8½
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Milana Sokolova (FIDE) – 8½
Open U12 (175 players)
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CM Danis Kuandykuly (Kazakhstan) – 9 points
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CM Ali Poyraz Ozdemir (Turkey) – 9
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CM Ethan Guo (USA) – 8½
Darmen Sadvakasov, First Vice President of the Kazakhstan Chess Federation, said:
“Winning three out of six golds at home is a huge achievement. We are proud of our talented players and the record participation from 88 countries.”
Kazakhstan proved once again that it has a strong chess school and a bright future for young players.
Photos: KazChess
Source: FIDE CHESS NEWS
