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The capital of Turkmenistan is set to host a major international youth sports event. In mid-August, the Exhibition Center of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Ashgabat will serve as the venue for the "Kids Expo-Chess Cup 2026." The tournament is being organized as a key feature of an international exhibition dedicated to children's products and initiatives.
Sanctioned under official FIDE regulations, the competition will feature both rapid and blitz formats across U8, U10, and U12 age categories. Young players representing more than 15 countries—including delegations from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Iran—are scheduled to compete for top honors.
In addition to the primary competitive rounds, the event program incorporates interactive training areas, open-play zones, and technical workshops. International grandmasters and certified instructors will conduct masterclasses and seminars tailored for both young participants and regional coaches.
The tournament is organized through a joint partnership involving the Chess Federation of Turkmenistan, the International School Chess Federation, and key regional sports organizations. The initiative aims to advance youth athletic development and foster regional sports cooperation.
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