The 19th Asian Schools Chess Championship has officially commenced in Ulaanbaatar, the capital city of Mongolia, and will take place from October 25 to November 1, 2025. Above are medalists from Kazakhstan which topped the Rapid Chess event held 25 Oct.
A total of 677 young chess players from 16 Asian countries are competing for 432 medals in three formats — standard, rapid, and blitz — across 12 categories for boys and girls: U-7, U-9, U-11, U-13, U-15, and U-17.
The opening ceremony was held today in Ulaanbaatar with great ceremony. Distinguished guests included H.E. Zandanshatar Gombojav, Prime Minister of Mongolia and President of the Mongolian Chess Federation; Undram Chinbat, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism; Bilegt E, Chairman of the National Committee on Physical Education and Sports; representatives from the Asian Chess Federation; as well as international and domestic arbiters, coaches, players, and parents.
In his opening address, Prime Minister G. Zandanshatar stated:
“This championship plays a vital role in promoting the noble traditions of intellectual sports, strengthening friendship among students across Asia, and fostering future generations of intelligent citizens. The Government of Mongolia will continue to consistently support mind sports, expand chess education within the school curriculum, and prepare young chess players capable of competing at the international level.”
Minister Ch. Undram also emphasized in her remarks:
“Mongolians have long regarded chess as a great intellectual game — a means of sharpening the mind and nurturing future generations. Therefore, this tournament is not just a competition but a platform for friendship, mutual trust, and intellectual exchange among Asia’s youth. I am confident that all participants here will become the future masters, coaches, educators, and leaders in science and technology.”
Players who perform successfully in this event will have the opportunity to achieve title norms recognized by the International Chess Federation (FIDE) and qualify for international titles such as FIDE Candidate Master (CM) and FIDE Master (FM).
This year’s championship is particularly special as it is being hosted in Mongolia for the first time, serving as a major intellectual celebration that promotes chess, strengthens continental friendship, and inspires the next generation of chess talents.
The first Mongolian players to win gold medals at the Asian Schools Chess Championships were brothers — International Master Chinguun Sumiya (Standard) and Grandmaster Bilguun Sumiya (Blitz).
The Asian Schools Chess Championship 2025 will continue in Ulaanbaatar until November 1, showcasing a week of brilliant and inspiring battles of the mind.
Kazakhstan topped the medal tally with four golds and four silver medals, ahead of host Mongolia with four golds and three silver medals. Russians playing under FIDE flag followed with two golds and two silver medals.
