On February 5-6, 2025, Abu Dhabi hosted the Tolerance Games – Asian Chess Women’s Contest. Co-organized by the UAE Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence, the International Chess Federation (FIDE), and the Asian Chess Federation (ACF), this event brought together players and speakers to celebrate how chess promotes inclusivity, empowerment, and coexistence.
One of the biggest highlights was the Little Chess Star tournament, a special competition designed to promote young female talent, organised by the Asian Chess Federation, FIDE, the FIDE Trainers Commission (TRG), and our Commission – FIDE Commission for Women in Chess (WOM).
A Grand Opening Ceremony
The event was officially opened by H.E. Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, who launched the Global Tolerance and Human Fraternity Summit and announced the start of the Tolerance Games – Asian Chess Women’s Contest, a now well-established tradition. After the opening, distinguished guests, including H.E. Sheikh Sultan Bin Khalifa Al Nahyan (President of ACF), Mr. Hisham Al Taher (General Secretary of ACF), and Mrs. Dana Reizniece (FIDE Deputy Chair of the Management Board and Women Grandmaster), joined the ceremonial first move of the Little Chess Star tournament.
Little Chess Star: A Stage for Future Champions
We are very glad that the Little Chess Star tournament took place as well as part of this fantastic event. We organise Little Star series worldwide to support young talented girls passionate about chess, putting them in the spotlight to inspire and motivate them.
The total prize fund for the Little Chess Star tournament was a whopping AED 21,000 (over 5700 USD!), with the first-place winner taking home AED 7,000 – which is likely one of the biggest ever prize funds for girl’s chess tournament!
The format included two qualification rounds followed by a final match to determine the winner. Along with cash prizes, the top three players received trophies and certificates, recognizing their talent and dedication to the game.
Finally 9-year-old Asena Golizadeh from Iran emerged as a winner of the competition after beating Vipin Vedhika from India.
Congratulations to both finalists and especially to our Little Star Champion!
Thank you to all the participants – we hope it was a memorable experience for you, and that you will always believe in yourself, Little Stars! 🙂
In this event eight promising chess talents (born in 2013 or later) were selected by the Asian Chess Federation, FIDE, the FIDE Trainers Commission (TRG), and our Commission – FIDE Commission for Women in Chess (WOM).
Leadership Workshop: Women and Chess – Promoting Tolerance & Women Empowerment
Beyond the competition, the event focused on empowerment through the workshop Women and Chess – Promoting Tolerance & Women Empowerment. This engaging session featured keynote speakers who explored how chess can be a tool for gender equality and personal growth:
- Dana Reizniece – Women’s Chess Grandmaster, politician, and FIDE Deputy Chair of the Management Board.
- Gulmira Dauletova – Women’s Chess Grandmaster, member of the FIDE Commission for Women in Chess, and Executive Director of the Kazakhstan Chess Federation.
- Lou Zhou – Founder of Vanquour Wealth Management.
Speakers shared personal experiences, discussed challenges in the chess world, and highlighted how the game can inspire confidence, wider understanding of the world around us and give us great tools in life.
Open Asian Women’s Blitz Chess Tournament
A very strong tournament for women took place as part of the Tolerance Games – Open Asian Women’s Blitz Chess Tournament, where 78 women players from 13 countries competed in an exciting seven-round blitz event (3+2 time control). Two Women Grandmasters and 7 titled played in total participated in this very successful event. The competition was fast-paced, thrilling, and full of great moments.
The Champion of this event is WGM Mahri Geldiyeva from Turkmenistan, congratulations!
Rashed Ahlam and Eisa Mohamed Anoud, both from UAE, took 2nd and 3rd place respectively.
More Chess Action and Learning
A simultaneous exhibition with women grandmasters was another chance for all present chess lovers to enjoy chess in a unique way. Not everyday you get a chance to challenge top female players!
For those new to the game, the Learn to Play in One Hour session provided an easy and fun introduction to chess, helping parents and guests appreciate the beauty of the game.
A Celebration of Women, Chess, and Tolerance
The Tolerance Games – Asian Chess Women’s Contest is an important and empowering event. Like every year, event not only provided a stage for young talents but also emphasized the role of women in chess and how the game promotes values of tolerance and coexistence.
With such strong support for women in chess, this event continues to pave the way for future generations, proving that chess is a game for everyone, regardless of age, background, or gender.
