Freedom Asian Chess Initiatives 2026: Application Deadline Near
The application window for the Freedom Asian Chess Initiatives (FACI) Project 2026 is now open. National chess federations across Asia are encouraged to apply before the deadline.
FACI is an international chess development project led by the Kazakhstan Chess Federation. It is supported by Freedom Holding Corp. and organized in partnership with FIDE and the Asian Chess Federation (ACF). The project focuses on long-term chess growth by strengthening national federations, improving chess education, and encouraging international cooperation.
In 2025, FACI supported seven national federations: Oman, Cambodia, Nepal, Tajikistan, Sri Lanka, Jordan, and Pakistan. These countries recorded impressive results, including prize-winning finishes in international tournaments. Several federations also received grants to participate in the FIDE World Cadet Chess Championships in Almaty, giving young talents a chance to compete on the world stage.
Another important part of the FACI Project is the organization of training camps for national teams. These camps are conducted with the support of top coaches from Kazakhstan, helping players improve their skills and competitive readiness.
National chess federations interested in joining FACI 2026 must submit their applications through the official website. The application deadline is January 12, 2026, at 12:00 PM Astana time (UTC+5).
All applications will be reviewed according to the official FACI Project Regulations. The selected federations will be announced in early February 2026. Federations that participated in 2025 may also apply again for support in 2026.
Decisions will be made by the FACI Working Group along with the President of the Kazakhstan Chess Federation. Applicants are advised to carefully read the project regulations available on the official website. A detailed overview of the project is also available through the FACI information video.
Photos: FIDE_Chess
Source: FIDE CHESS NEWS
