Timur Turlov sees Samarkand as new global chess hub

September 19, 2026 at 01:12 PM2 min

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Timur Turlov, CEO of Freedom Holding Corp. and candidate for FIDE president, argued that Samarkand is becoming a new global chess hub. He praised the organization of the ongoing Chess Olympiad and linked Uzbekistan's sporting success to systemic reforms. He also said Central Asian integration is deepening under Presidents Mirziyoyev and Tokayev.

Key Facts

Timur Turlov is a candidate for FIDE president and CEO of Freedom Holding Corp.
The Chess Olympiad in Samarkand is described as the largest in history.
Javokhir Sindarov won the Candidates Tournament and will face Gukesh for the world title.
Freedom Holding Corp. became the general partner of the Gukesh–Sindarov match.
Turlov said Uzbekistan's football team qualified for the World Cup and young chess players triumphed at the 2022 Olympiad.

Samarkand's Chess Rise

Turlov emphasized the historical symbolism of holding the tournament in Samarkand, calling it a place where peoples have always met. He said the global sports geography is expanding rapidly and the world elite is being replenished by representatives of Asian countries. He praised the tournament organization, thanking thousands of people who worked on the launch of the sports complex. The Olympiad in Samarkand is the largest in history, according to Finance KZ.

Uzbekistan's Systemic Transformation

Turlov argued that Uzbekistan's sporting results cannot be explained by unique talent alone, but by an environment and system that produces champions. He cited the national football team's historic World Cup qualification and the triumph of young chess players at the 2022 Olympiad. He said fundamental changes in the state are reflected in the population's mood and economic potential. He added that he sincerely believes in Uzbekistan's future due to its young population, growing economy, and cultural depth.

Central Asian Integration

Turlov said Uzbekistan's sporting successes motivate the development of chess federations in Kazakhstan. He noted the absence of human distance between the peoples who have lived side by side for centuries. He said the relations between Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Kassym-Jomart Tokayev have historical significance for the region. He stated that the leaders are consistently creating a space of trust that is felt in business ties and interregional relations.