From August 19 to 22, the international exhibition-fair "KIDS EXPO: Everything for Children" will be held in the city of Ashgabat. One of the main highlights of the event's sports program will be a large-scale chess festival featuring renowned international chess masters.

To participate in the festival, two experienced chess experts will arrive in Turkmenistan: Darmen Sadvakasov, First Vice-President of the Kazakhstan Chess Federation, Vice-President of the Asian Chess Federation, Grandmaster, and Youth World Champion; and Ilaha Kadymova, Secretary General of the Turkic States Chess Association and the Azerbaijan Chess Federation, Woman Grandmaster.

The international-level chess players will hold special training sessions and masterclasses for the athletes of Turkmenistan's women's and youth national teams. During these meetings, young chess players will be able to receive advice from experienced grandmasters on improving game tactics, preparing for competitions, and making correct decisions in critical situations.

The main competition of the festival will be the "Kids Expo Chess Cup 2026" international rapid and blitz tournament, to be held on August 19–20. Alongside the competition, various interactive events will be organized for children and visitors at a special venue called the "Chess Island."

Activities will include express training allowing participants to learn to play chess in just 30 minutes, simultaneous exhibitions with experienced chess masters, question-and-answer contests, playing with experts, and a special photo zone.

As part of the festival, an international round table will also be held on August 19. Representatives from chess federations of 11 countries are expected to participate. The meeting will discuss the successful experience of introducing chess into school curricula, its role in the intellectual development of youth, and future opportunities.

The event is jointly organized by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan, the Chess Federation of Turkmenistan, the International School Chess Federation, the Turkic States Chess Association, the Freedom Asian Chess Initiatives program of the Kazakhstan Chess Federation, the Freedom group of companies, and the "TurkmenExpo" company.

The chess festival within the framework of KIDS EXPO 2026 will help foster interest in chess among children and youth in Turkmenistan, improve the skills of young athletes, and further develop cooperation with the international chess community.