On 16 June, an International Chess Tournament was officially opened in the capital of Turkmenistan, bringing together young athletes from 11 countries in Europe and Asia. According to the news agency TDH, 129 participants will compete for medals in three age categories: 8, 10 and 12 years old.

The tournament is being held at the Ashgabat Specialised Chess and Draughts School, which has all the necessary facilities for hosting international competitions. Twelve sets of awards will be presented in the ‘rapid’ and ‘blitz’ disciplines. The first winners will be determined on 17 June, and the tournament will conclude on 18 June.

The tournament organisers have also planned a rich cultural programme: participants will visit the capital's sights, including the Olympic Village, the circus, parks and shopping and entertainment centres.

The source notes that holding such competitions is part of a state strategy aimed at strengthening the country's sporting authority, promoting the principles of the Olympic movement and developing the intellectual potential of young people.