Bibisara Assaubayeva

Kazakh GM

“Intellect is not a priority?! I carefully read the official response from the Ministry of Sports, ‘Chess is classified as a non-priority sport.’

To be honest, I read that phrase several times. Not long ago, the President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, outlined the country’s strategic direction: ‘A strong nation begins with a strong intellect. In the 21st century, the main resource is not raw materials, but knowledge.’

In leading countries around the world, chess is more than a sport. It is strategic thinking, intellectual capital, and one of the symbols of a state’s competitiveness.

If chess is not a priority, then a simple question arises: for what achievements did the President award me the Order of the Leopard, 2nd and 3rd degree?

From the Ministry of Sports’ response, a simple conclusion follows — my parents, not officials, are the true patriots and investors in the country’s intellectual future. Kazakhstan’s future will be determined by intellect, education, science, and the quality of human capital.

The important question is whether the Ministry of Sports’ position aligns with the President’s course. Because the attitude toward chess is the attitude toward intellect. And the attitude toward intellect is the attitude toward the country’s future.

Apparently, the Minister of Sports is following a different course.”