20/07/2026
Today is International Chess Day ♟️
I've been playing chess for most of my life, and today it's is at the center of almost everything I do: coaching, competing, studying, and preparing for tournaments.
This game has given me so much. It became my profession, brought me five national championship titles, and allowed me to travel to places I might never have visited otherwise. Some of my closest friends are people I met through chess.
This September I'll be representing Kyrgyzstan at the Chess Olympiad in Samarkand. It will be my 10th Olympiad, and I'm already looking forward to the experience.
Looking back, I'm incredibly grateful for everything chess has brought into my life.
When did you play your first game? 😊
Happy International Chess Day! 🎉