History was made in Almaty, Kazakhstan, as the inaugural FIDE World University Team Chess Championship officially began, bringing together university teams from across the globe for the first-ever edition of the competition. Hosted by Al-Farabi Kazakh National University as part of FIDE’s Year of Chess in Education 2026, the championship celebrates not only sporting excellence but also the growing role of chess in higher education. The event provides a unique platform where students from leading universities combine academic achievement with international competition, fostering friendships and cultural exchange through the game of chess. From the moment the delegations arrived in Almaty, participants were welcomed with Kazakhstan’s renowned hospitality. Traditional music, natio