By our correspondent

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Turkmenistan have agreed to further strengthen cooperation in chess, with a particular focus on promoting the sport among youth, nurturing emerging talent and creating greater international opportunities for the next generation of players.

The understanding was reached during a meeting between President of the Chess Federation of Pakistan (CFP) Syed Zeeshan Naqvi and President of the Chess Federation of Turkmenistan Vepa Myalikgulyev in Ashgabat, held on the sidelines of the Kids Chess Festival.

The two presidents discussed a range of initiatives aimed at providing young chess players with greater exposure and opportunities, including bilateral chess series, training tours, player exchanges and joint coaching programmes.

Syed Zeeshan Naqvi highlighted the importance of taking chess to a wider youth audience and developing a strong pathway through which talented youngsters can receive quality training, competitive exposure and opportunities to represent their countries at international events.

Both sides expressed their commitment to further institutionalising cooperation between the two federations and exploring regular exchange programmes for players, coaches and officials.

The meeting marked a significant step towards building stronger Pakistan-Turkmenistan chess ties, while promoting chess as a platform for youth development, talent identification and greater sporting interaction between the two countries.