Chess Federation of Tajikistan

♟️ About Chess Federation of Tajikistan

Chess Federation of Tajikistan is the national governing body for chess in Tajikistan. Established in 1992, shortly after the country gained independence, the federation joined FIDE in the same year. Based in Dushanbe, it coordinates national championships, youth development, international representation, tournament organization, ratings, arbiters, national teams, and chess-development programs across the country. The federation organizes competitions for adults, juniors, schoolchildren, and developing players throughout the year. Its activities include the Tajikistan national championships, youth and junior tournaments, regional competitions, international FIDE-rated events, team selection, training initiatives, and participation in Asian and world-level events. Moreover, the federation works with schools, chess centers, government sports bodies, and regional organizations to broaden access to chess throughout Tajikistan. Zafar Mirzo is the current President of the Chess Federation of Tajikistan. He returned to the federation’s leadership in 2022 after previously serving as President from 2007 to 2014. IM Jamshed Isaev is the current General Secretary and one of the federation’s most experienced operational figures. During 2026, the federation has expanded activity through its new Chess Center in Dushanbe, national championships, school competitions, youth programs, public chess festivals, and preparations for another major international season.

📜 History and Development

The Chess Federation of Tajikistan was created in 1992 and became a FIDE member during the same year. Its first President was Adil Sabitov, while the newly independent country began establishing its own national championship and international representation structure. Tajikistan made its first appearance in the open section of the Chess Olympiad in Moscow in 1994. During the same decade, Tajik chess also produced important international results. Farukh Amonatov later became one of the country’s best-known grandmasters, while several other players earned international titles. The federation entered a new development phase under Zafar Mirzo during his first presidency from 2007 to 2014. National competitions became more frequent, talented juniors received greater support, and Tajik players gained more opportunities to compete internationally. After two terms under Davlatali Said, delegates elected Zafar Mirzo again in 2022. His current administration has continued to emphasize youth development, international competition, stronger infrastructure, and wider participation.

🏆 National Chess and Competition

The federation manages Tajikistan’s principal national championships and FIDE-rated competitions. The 2026 Tajikistan Championship for men and women took place in Dushanbe in May and attracted 72 players from across the country, including 23 women. The program included classical, rapid, and blitz competition. Amin Kabilov won the men’s classical championship, while Marvori Nasriddinzoda won the women’s classical title. In addition, the federation runs regular open tournaments in Dushanbe and supports competitions in other regions. These events provide both experienced players and developing juniors with opportunities to compete under official conditions. The federation also maintains Tajikistan’s relationship with FIDE and oversees international ratings, title-related competition, national-team selection, and participation in major Asian and world events.

🎓 Youth Chess and the Chess Center

Youth development is one of the federation’s strongest priorities. In December 2025, the federation opened a new dedicated Chess Center in Dushanbe. The facility provides regular coaching, training rooms, organized tournaments, and structured programs for children starting from an early age. One of the first major events at the new center was Winter Dushanbe 2026, an open tournament for children, teenagers, and juniors held in January. The federation also organizes school-based competitions. In March 2026, 28 school teams from Dushanbe competed in the Pili Damon team event, which selected Tajikistan’s representative for the Asian School Team Championship. Furthermore, Tajik youth teams continue to participate internationally. The federation supports young players traveling to Asian, Central Asian, and international events while also developing local coaching and competitive pathways.

🌍 International Activity and Development

Tajikistan has increased its international chess activity significantly in recent years. The federation hosted the Western Asia Youth Chess Championship in 2025, bringing young players from across the region to Dushanbe. The same year, the federation launched a major international President’s Cup in cooperation with Tajikistan’s Committee for Youth and Sports. The inaugural event attracted 230 players from 16 countries and strengthened Dushanbe’s position as an international chess destination. Meanwhile, Tajik players continue to compete abroad at youth, junior, and senior level. The federation also works with international partners on training, digital chess, fair play, tournament infrastructure, and stronger competitive opportunities for Tajik players. During 2026, public outreach has expanded as well. Projects such as Chess & Jazz Fest and open city tournaments have introduced chess to broader audiences beyond traditional tournament settings.

🏛️ Organization and Leadership

Zafar Mirzo serves as President of the Chess Federation of Tajikistan. He previously led the federation from 2007 to 2014 and returned to the presidency after the 2022 electoral conference. IM Jamshed Isaev is the current General Secretary. He is an eight-time Tajikistan Champion, international master, FIDE arbiter, and one of the most experienced figures in Tajik chess. Because he handles federation administration and official tournament communication, he is the most useful principal operational contact. The federation’s senior leadership also includes Vice Presidents Zafar Nazarzoda and Khurshed Vatanov, who are regularly involved in international events and organizational projects.