Pakistan is among the countries eligible to apply for continued support. Photo: ZULFIQAR BAIG
ISLAMABAD:
Following Pakistan’s successful participation in the Freedom Asian Chess Initiatives (FACI) 2025, applications have now officially opened for the FACI Project 2026, offering renewed opportunities for Asian chess federations to benefit from international-level training, grants and institutional support.
The Kazakhstan Chess Federation has announced the opening of the application process for FACI 2026. FACI is an international chess development project implemented by the Kazakhstan Chess Federation with the support of Freedom Holding Corp., in partnership with FIDE and the Asian Chess Federation (ACF). The initiative aims to promote the sustainable development of chess by strengthening national federations, expanding chess education and enhancing international cooperation.
In 2025, Pakistan was among seven national chess federations selected for support under FACI, alongside Oman, Cambodia, Nepal, Tajikistan, Sri Lanka and Jordan. A total of 22 applications were received, reflecting strong regional interest in the programme. Pakistan’s inclusion was widely seen as a positive step towards uplifting the country’s chess ecosystem, particularly at the youth and grassroots levels.
During the 2025 cycle, FACI organized 20 training camps and workshops for national teams and coaches, including online preparation sessions for participating countries such as Pakistan. Eight internationally qualified coaches, including grandmasters and international masters, conducted training programmes. For Pakistan, International Master Amanov Zhanibek worked with around 25 young chess players, helping improve technical skills and competitive readiness.
A major achievement of FACI 2025 was the provision of grants for young players to participate in the FIDE World Cadet Chess Championships held in Almaty, giving emerging talent exposure to top-level international competition. Participating countries, including Pakistan, also recorded prize-winning performances at international tournaments, underlining the impact of structured coaching and preparation.
Another notable outcome for Pakistan was the opening of a chess academy, aimed at ensuring long-term development and institutional support for the game. The project also included masterclasses, training sessions, simultaneous exhibitions, and international tournaments in Oman and Nepal, while promoting inclusive chess through initiatives such as the Infinite Chess programme.
Encouraged by the positive results of 2025, the organizers have now invited national chess federations to apply for FACI 2026.
Federations that participated in FACI 2025, including Pakistan, are also eligible to submit fresh applications for continued support in 2026. Final decisions will be made by the FACI Working Group and the President of the Kazakhstan Chess Federation, in accordance with the FACI Project Regulations.
With Pakistan’s encouraging experience in 2025, chess officials and players alike are hopeful that continued participation in FACI will further strengthen coaching standards, expand youth participation and enhance the country’s presence on the international chess stage.