Tajikistan to host $50,000 international chess tournament in October
President’s Cup in Dushanbe to bring together players worldwide under FIDE rules, with Swiss-format competition and strict fair play
DUSHANBE, Tajikistan (MNTV) — Tajikistan will host one of its largest international chess events next month as players from around the world gather for the President’s Cup, scheduled from October 9–16 in the capital.
The competition highlights the growing profile of chess in Central Asia, where governments increasingly see international tournaments as opportunities to raise the region’s sporting visibility.
According to organizers, the opening and closing ceremonies, along with the awards presentation, will be staged at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Dushanbe, while matches will take place at the nearby Istiqlol Hotel.
The event is organized by the Tajikistan Chess Federation with support from the International Chess Federation (FIDE) and the country’s Committee on Youth and Sports. Business conglomerate Koinoti Nav is serving as the general sponsor, with a prize fund of $50,000.
Players will compete in a nine-round Swiss system format, which pairs participants of similar strength after each round. The tournament is divided into two categories: Group A for competitors with ratings above 2200, and Group B for those rated below.
Each game will follow FIDE time controls of 90 minutes with a 30-second increment per move, a standard that ensures fairness and balance between strategic depth and time pressure.
Organizers have stressed strict adherence to FIDE’s Code of Ethics, underscoring that violations such as outside assistance, use of electronic devices, or other forms of misconduct will result in disqualification. A dress code will be enforced, and participants are required to compete in good health, with referees authorized to remove players showing symptoms of illness.
Officials in Dushanbe say the tournament not only aims to strengthen Tajikistan’s standing in the global chess community but also to inspire younger generations across the country to take up the game.
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