Interest in chess has sharply increased in Uzbekistan in recent years. This was certainly caused by the sensational victory of young Uzbekistanis — Nodirbek Abdusattorov, Javokhir Sindarov, Nodirbek Yakubboev, Shamsiddin, and Jakhongir Vokhidov — at the 44th Chess Olympiad held in Chennai, India, in 2022. However, this success was not just a momentary euphoria, but rather initiated a new movement: an initiative to popularize chess, making it accessible and convenient for every child.
From One Victory — Towards a New Project
Following this victory, Alisher Sa'dullayev, Director of the Youth Affairs Agency and Senator, put forward the idea of creating a platform that provides the opportunity to study chess on a nationwide scale. Ulugbek Ismatov, who had worked actively in the media field, was appointed as the project leader. As a result, a new educational ecosystem named "Uzchess" emerged — its goal was to introduce chess to society not just as a competition, but as an educational and cultural value.
In the Uzbek Language, for Uzbeks
The biggest difference of "Uzchess" is that its content is entirely in the Uzbek language. All lessons, interviews, training sessions, and games in the application were prepared in a format suited to the needs of the local audience.
Within a year, over half a million users registered on the application. This shows how strong the demand for intellectual education is in Uzbekistan.
Chess and Media: A New Arena
With the goal of turning chess not just into a sport but into a mass culture, the "Uzchess Media League" was established. In this project, bloggers, influencers, and content creators compete against each other, and the games are covered in live broadcasts.
Each season attracts millions of viewers, promoting chess among young people in a modern, interesting, and competitive format.
Uzbekistan's Chess on the International Stage
The major tournaments held in recent years have been a continuation of this process. The Uzchess Cup competition held in Tashkent in 2025 featured the world's strongest chess players such as Praggnanandhaa, Arjun, Nepomniachtchi, Abdusattorov, and Sindarov.
Prior to that, the FIDE Rapid & Blitz tournament held in Samarkand in 2023 was broadcast live in Uzbek by "Uzchess," creating the opportunity to watch international competitions in one's native language.
The Goal is to Make Chess a Part of People's Lives
"Uzchess" is not just a mobile project. It is a national educational project that provides every child with the opportunity to learn chess. Through local coaches, free lessons, an understandable format, and a system of real opportunities, the project aims to bring chess to every home, every school, and every community.
Uzbekistan is today creating its own school in chess — and "Uzchess" is becoming the heart of this process.
