On July 20, Kirsan Ilyumzhinov made a working visit to Astana. First, he visited Dinara Saduakassova Chess Academy, where he played several friendly games with young fans of the ancient game.The ceremony was also attended by Vice President of the Kazakh Chess Federation Zhandos Abishev, Chairman of the Sports and Physical Culture Committee of the Republic of Kazakhstan Elsiyar Kanagatov, President of the Chess Federation of Astana Abylai Tastambekov and Deputy Akim of Astana Malik Bekturov.
"I congratulate all chess fans on the 50th anniversary of the International Day of this sport. Incidentally, chess is the only sport that has its own international day, according to decision of UNESCO. Grandmasters and masters take part in already traditional tournament Astana Open. It is popular in many countries," Ilyumzhinov said.
"The Chess Federation of Kazakhstan works very hard, which is manifested by the opening of many clubs and academies. I visited the Grandmaster Dinara Saduakassova academy this morning. Two hours ago, we opened a new chess club in Astana, which was built with sponsors money. Local chess teams are playing better and better, especially, girls who do well," added head of FIDE.
Further, Ilyumzhinov visited the international exhibition EXPO-2017. Incidentally, the Chess Federation of the country awarded head of FIDE with the Order of Victory on the same day.
