Assessing Turkish Chess: A Statistical Snapshot
Turkish Chess Surpasses Football in Number of Licensed Athletes
According to data compiled by the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Turkish Chess Federation, chess in Turkey has surpassed all other sports branches, including football, in terms of licensed athletes.
The number of licensed chess players has seen a significant increase, jumping from 189,363 to a staggering 1.2 million after 2012.
In parallel with the increase in the number of licensed athletes, the number of titled athletes in chess has also soared. From just 6 in 2005, the tally now stands at 247.
National athlete Adar Tarhan is set to achieve the international master (IM) title and 1st grand master (GM) norm in 2023, Ataberk Eren is on course to win the IM title and 1st GM norm, IM Ediz Gürel will achieve the 2nd GM norm, Eray Kılıç is poised to secure the IM title, and FIDE Master (FM) Hüseyin Can Ağdelen received the 2nd IM norm. Additionally, FM Yamaç Samani also received the 2nd IM norm, Hasan Hüseyin Çelik was awarded the IM title and 1st GM norm, and Umut Erdem Gündüz received the IM title.
“Majestic” Achievements in 2023
Turkish Chess Federation (TSF) President Gülkız Tulay described the successes achieved on behalf of Turkish chess in 2023 as “majestic.”
Tulay emphasized the role of raising generations who grow up with chess in contributing to the development of Turkey and “illuminating its future.”
The TSF aims to continue increasing the number of licensed athletes and expand the chess family with new collaborations. The organization also plans to invest in infrastructure to nurture young talents and achieve success in the 45th World Chess Olympiad to be held in Budapest, Hungary.
Key Projects and Achievements in 2023
In 2023, the TSF implemented projects like “Türkiye Becomes One Heart with Chess” and “Move of the Century” to promote chess and develop talents. The TSF also initiated the “Tiny Moves” project aimed at providing chess education in preschools.
Turkish Chess on the Global Stage
In 2023, Turkish chess players participated in international competitions such as the World Cup in Azerbaijan, the European Clubs Cup in Albania, the European Schools Chess Championship, and the World Schools Chess Championship, achieving notable results and clinching several medals.
With an ever-growing number of licensed athletes and continuous efforts to promote chess, the Turkish Chess Federation is making significant strides on both national and international levels, solidifying its position as a powerhouse in the sport.
