Timur Turlov Becomes First Kazakh FIDE President

Businessman and President of the Kazakhstan Chess Federation, Timur Turlov, has been elected as President of the International Chess Federation (FIDE). This historic election took place during the FIDE General Assembly in Samarkand, marking the first time a Kazakh national leads the organization. Turlov aims for a digital transformation and significant investment in global chess development.

Turlov, who is also CEO of Freedom Holding Corp., pledges over $8.5 million for FIDE's advancement. He plans to create a unified platform for players and modern infrastructure for federations. His strategy includes structural reforms, streamlining grant access, and enhancing chess in education worldwide.

With Vice President Viswanathan Anand, Turlov plans rigorous governance measures, including financial transparency and anti-cheating controls. He is focused on supporting national federations through sponsorships and international exposure.