00:00The rise of Kazakh chess is nothing short of remarkable.
00:18Popularity is soaring, results are multiplying, and the world is taking notice.
00:23Today, I'm attempting to uncover the secret behind this phenomenon.
00:27This is Modern Nomads.
00:30The Kazakhs are a growing popularity and authority in the international arena.
00:41The dynamic is not just positive, but I would like the rocket to the rocket.
00:46Every rocket needs fuel.
00:48Kazakh chess received an influx of fuel in 2023, when the Chess Federation got a new president
00:53and a new sponsor in one person.
00:56Olof is a local fintech entrepreneur and the second richest businessman in Kazakhstan.
01:01We have a very strong program, a federation-sponsored program, to support young talents, to provide
01:09equipment, software.
01:12We pay for their personal trainings and providing access to the best chess trainers.
01:20Participation in national and international championships also require a hefty sum.
01:25Funding turned out to be a vital element of the success of chess, but not the only one.
01:30Why the Soviet Union, even before the collapse, was absolutely ahead of everyone.
01:34Because there was an organization system.
01:36It's almost the same as it is now in Kazakhstan.
01:39The structure is completely different, but the system is still alive.
01:43The approach envelops introducing chess to schools and clubs, organizing amateur and professional tournaments,
01:50popularizing chess through media, and expanding global presence.
01:54You travel a lot and see a lot of international tournaments.
01:59How do other countries perceive Kazakhstan and its chess federation?
02:04I think in our days, everyone already respects Kazakh players in chess, especially the girls,
02:13because of our results, and I think it's really nice to hear all the good comments.
02:20Women's chess holds a special place in Kazakhstan.
02:23Five female chess players are in FIDE's top 100 women list.
02:28Our women chess players are always being good, and I think it's our tradition to inspire each other by our results.
02:36Ksenia is one of 16 women grandmasters in Kazakhstan's history.
02:40She's a world champion in blitz and rapid chess, and she was part of Kazakhstan's national team,
02:45which won historic silver in Budapest Olympiad.
02:48First of all, in women's chess, there's less competition.
02:52If women's chess players are achieving certain achievements,
02:56then in the world, it's a pretty high level.
02:59Ksenia is only 19 and is already considered an old guard.
03:03Younger generation is quickly gaining up on her cohort.
03:06I think in our days, six years old, it's already kind of late,
03:10because, yes, I heard many stories like that kids start playing at three years, four years old.
03:16So, I mean, it's just easier to achieve something when you start playing younger.
03:21If you want to become the world's champion,
03:24so most probably you have to be a grandmaster.
03:27I don't know, 14, 16 years old, so quite young.
03:31You should be quite young to be competitive in this crazy world.
03:36Alimzhan Jambai became a world champion at the age of 11
03:39by winning gold at Fujaira Global Chess Championships this fall.
03:43He's a silver medalist from Abu Dhabi International Chess Festival
03:46and a two-time world champion in school chess.
03:50I learned to play during the pandemic.
03:53My father and brother were taught us.
03:55We played.
03:56Well, just, I really liked it.
03:59Then we started to play professionally with our trainer.
04:02My main goal now is to achieve an international master.
04:06His success reflects the philosophy Kaz Chess Federation is pursuing today,
04:11nurturing local talent to facilitate national growth.
04:14If we want to have a strong and sustainable development in our country and for our business,
04:24it's very important to pay attention, especially for these intellectual games.
04:31Because the development of human capital is extremely important for the sustainable growth.
04:46Kazach chess may just be at the beginning of its journey, but the achievements already speak to themselves.
04:52The future holds even greater triumphs.
04:54We will be watching closely.
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