Kazakhstan Emerges Among Leaders at 2026 World U7–U17 Championships

The 2026 World U7–U17 Chess Championships concluded at the Evenia Zoraida Hotel Resort in Roquetas de Mar, Spain, after 11 rounds, with Kazakhstan emerging as one of the leading forces across the age categories.

The tournament brought together 721 players representing 82 countries for an international youth event covering 12 age-and-gender sections. The closing ceremony celebrated the achievements of the young competitors and their families, coaches and accompanying officials.

A celebratory finish

More than 1,000 players and guests attended the ceremony, which opened with a music and dance performance by the Duende Andaluz flamenco group. The Spanish and FIDE anthems were also played during the formal program.

Spanish Chess Federation president Javier Ochoa de Echagüen welcomed the participants and highlighted Roquetas de Mar’s continued place on the international chess calendar. FIDE Technical Delegate Ozgur Solakoğlu congratulated the young players and praised their commitment to the championship.

Kazakhstan shines in the U7 categories

Leila Aldazharova won the Girls U7 gold medal with 9 points from 11 rounds, while fellow Kazakh player Alima Akimkhan took silver with 8.5 points. Canada’s Echo Heming Fang also finished on 8.5 points and secured bronze in a category featuring 28 players.

• Leila Aldazharova — Girls U7 gold, 9/11
• Alima Akimkhan — Girls U7 silver, 8.5/11
• Echo Heming Fang — Girls U7 bronze, 8.5/11

The Girls U7 title race remained unsettled until the final round, when Aldazharova and Fang were tied on eight points from ten rounds. Aldazharova’s victory over Chen Yi Estelle Yap proved decisive, while Fang’s draw allowed the Kazakhstan player to claim gold outright.

In the Open U7 section, Makar Chernyshov earned gold with 9/11 after winning his final-round game. Ignacy Mongay Miland, representing Poland, and Daniil Aslanov, competing under the FIDE flag, both scored 8.5/11 and completed the podium.

• Makar Chernyshov — Open U7 gold, 9/11
• Ignacy Mongay Miland — Open U7 silver, 8.5/11
• Daniil Aslanov — Open U7 bronze, 8.5/11

Roquetas de Mar looks ahead

The Spanish resort town is scheduled to host the World Rapid and Blitz Championships in 2027 after Easter Week. The World U7–U11 Championships are also due to take place in Roquetas de Mar in November, extending the venue’s role in youth and major international chess events.

Source

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

Official source: https://www.fide.com/kazakhstan-dominates-world-u7-u17-championships-in-roquetas-de-mar/