Mongolia Hosts Asian Chess Championship for the First Time
Mongolia is making a strong statement in the world of chess by hosting the 21st Asian Continental Chess Championship for the first time. The prestigious event is being held in Ulaanbaatar from May 28 to June 7, 2026.
More than 240 players from nearly 30 countries are competing in the nine-round Swiss-system tournament. The championship is also an important qualification event, with the top five players in the Open section and the winner of the Women’s section earning direct spots in the 2027 FIDE World Cup.
Strong Support from the Mongolian Government
The event has received significant support from the Mongolian government. Prime Minister Uchral Nyam-Osor met with FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich and ISCF President Timur Turlov during the championship.
The Prime Minister highlighted that hosting the Asian Chess Championship is an important step for Mongolia and demonstrates the country’s commitment to developing chess and other mind sports. He also expressed interest in organizing more international competitions and supporting young chess talents in the future.
Chess in Education Takes Center Stage
Alongside the championship, Mongolia is hosting the Chess in Education Conference. The conference focuses on Chess in Schools programs, sharing international experiences, discussing best practices, and exploring future plans for integrating chess into the education system.
FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich praised Mongolia’s dedication to chess development and its efforts to introduce chess into schools.
According to Dvorkovich, chess is not only a sport but also a valuable educational tool that helps children improve their thinking, learning, and decision-making skills. He noted that Mongolia’s approach could inspire many other countries to use chess as part of their educational strategies.
Building a Stronger Future for Mongolian Chess
After meeting government officials, Dvorkovich visited the tournament venue, met players and organizers, and discussed the future of chess in Mongolia.
He pointed out that while Mongolia already has many talented young players, additional support is needed to help them compete internationally. Opportunities to travel to major tournaments and train with experienced coaches could significantly boost the country’s chess standards.
Dvorkovich also suggested that hosting a strong international Open tournament would further strengthen Mongolia’s position in the global chess community.
Learning from Successful Chess Nations
The FIDE President highlighted Kazakhstan as an example of how a country can successfully integrate chess into education and society. He explained that chess can become much more than a competitive sport and serve as a powerful tool for personal and social development.
The current championship and educational conference build upon earlier discussions held during a January 2026 visit by FIDE officials. During that visit, plans were discussed to support youth training programs and educational chess initiatives in cooperation with the Mongolian Chess Federation and local chess academies.
With strong government backing, growing international recognition, and a focus on education, Mongolia is positioning itself as an emerging force in Asian and global chess.
Photos: FIDE_Chess
Source: FIDE CHESS NEWS
