BUDDHI CHESS TOURNAMENT
SPIRIT OF DHARMA
September 18-23, 2025
Elista, Republic of Kalmykia
The competition will be held on the eve of the III International Buddhist Forum, which was approved by Russian President Vladimir Putin. Our goal is to popularize chess as an intellectual game, strengthen cultural ties between Buddhist peoples
About the tournament
Elista will become the arena of the first ever BUDDHIST CHESS TOURNAMENT.
The tournament will be held from September 18 to 23, 2025
First ever: Chess unites Buddhists around the world
The tournament is designed to strengthen cultural dialogue and mutual understanding, to promote the popularization of chess and Buddhism at the international level
About the tournament
Elista – the gateway to the world of chess and Buddhism
The city where the World Chess Championships were held (1996, 1998, 2006)
The birthplace of the legendary "Chess City"
The official chess program is included in school education
The largest Buddhist temple in Europe is located here - the Golden Abode of Buddha Shakyamuni
The First Buddhist Chess Tournament will be attended by teams from Buddhist countries, including Russian teams representing the Buddhist regions of the Russian Federation - Kalmykia, Buryatia, Tuva
Chess player with a FIDE rating higher than 2000
Chess player without restrictions on FIDE rating
Amateur with a FIDE rating not higher than 2000
Official representative (President of the Chess Federation)
Chess player without restrictions on FIDE rating
Amateur with a FIDE rating not higher than 2000
Official representative (President of the Chess Federation)
Tournament format and participants
Team composition: 3+1
Players and participation
The program will be published later
Exhibitions
It will be eventful: participants will not only be able to compete at the chessboard, but also attend master classes, lectures from renowned chess players and Buddhist teachers, and enjoy exhibitions and cultural events.
Master classes
Lectures
Tournament program
Cultural events
games played in official tournaments over the past year
international tournaments with a prize place
6
>150
Faces of the project
Face of the project — Roman Shogdzhiev
10-year-old ethnic Kalmyk and multiple champion of Russia and winner of international tournaments.
In July 2025, Roman Shogdzhiev became the youngest FIDE International Master.
In July 2025, Roman Shogdzhiev became the youngest FIDE International Master.
multiple champion of Russia among women
International tournaments played
4
50+
Faces of the project
Face of the project — Baira Kovanova
Ethnic Kalmyk, multiple champion of Russia and winner of the Russian Cup
Media Accreditation
Tournament organizers
Organizing Committee
Project sponsors
Support the project
Become a partner
Fill out the form to apply for partnership. We will contact you to clarify the details
Information partners
Take part
Venue
Elista, Palace of Children's Creativity
Privacy Policy
Contacts
- +7 (909) 396-14-66
- +7 (996)259-57-93
- +7 (927) 594-14-44
- Chessrk08@mail.ru
