FIDE President Timur Turlov meets Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides in Nicosia

FIDE President Timur Turlov met with Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides at the Presidential Palace in Nicosia, Cyprus, on 19 October 2026 for a chess development meeting. The discussion focused on accelerating the growth of chess in Cyprus, considering future plans, and examining how the country’s experience could contribute to FIDE’s wider efforts to strengthen chess ecosystems worldwide.

A national approach to chess growth

Cyprus has developed into an emerging European centre for chess through a combination of international events, national competitions, youth development and permanent training facilities. This progress has been supported by cooperation among the Cyprus Chess Federation, the country’s government and private partners.

Turlov was accompanied by Freedom24 CEO Evgenii Tiapkin. In describing the meeting, the FIDE president said Cyprus had made substantial progress over the previous three years and intended to build further on its position. He also expressed appreciation for Christodoulides’ time, support and attention to the game.

International events and domestic foundations

International tournaments have formed an important part of Cyprus’s recent chess development. Nicosia hosted stages of the FIDE Women’s Grand Prix in 2023 and 2025, while the island was also selected to stage the 2026 FIDE Candidates Tournament and Women’s Candidates Tournament.

Source

This report is based on information published by FIDE — International Chess Federation.

Official source: https://www.fide.com/fide-president-timur-turlov-meets-cyprus-president-nikos-christodoulides-in-nicosia/