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Kazakhstan is set to invest approximately 210 million tenge (around $470،000 USD) to support the training of its rising chess star، Bibisara Assaubayeva، for the 2026 season. This substantial funding package is expected to come from various sources، including the Sports and Tourism Support Fund، the Kazakhstan Chess Federation، and other organizations.

The announcement was made by Serik Zharasbayev، the Vice-Minister of Tourism and Sports، who clarified the financial arrangements for the young prodigy. He highlighted that in addition to the ministry's direct contributions، non-budgetary funds from the Chess Federation will also be allocated.

Increased Funding for 2026

Zharasbayev stated، "Separate from our funds، non-budgetary funds will be allocated from the Chess Federation. Together with the federation and various departmental organizations، we have allocated approximately 210 million tenge for Bibisara Assaubayeva's training in 2026، considering all funding sources. Last year، this amount was around 160 million tenge." This represents a notable increase from the previous year's support.

Changes in Salary Structure

The Vice-Minister also addressed changes in Assaubayeva's salary. He explained that while she received up to 1 million tenge per month through the Sports Development Directorate in 2023 and 2024، a new law effective from 2025 categorizes sports. Chess، not being part of complex competitions، was not included in the list of priority sports for direct state salary support at the previous level.

Consequently، Assaubayeva's salary has been adjusted based on her contract، as she is no longer equated with athletes in Olympic-level disciplines. This change has been a point of discussion، with Assaubayeva herself recently making a public statement regarding her financial situation.

Support Fund Allocation

Responding to reports of Assaubayeva's correspondence with the ministry leadership regarding increased payments، Zharasbayev confirmed that her request is being reviewed by the Sports and Tourism Support Fund. He added that the application has been approved، and an initial 100 million tenge has been allocated from the fund for her preparation for international competitions.

Zharasbayev suggested that Assaubayeva might have been referring to a second tranche of funding from the fund، but current possibilities are limited due to the broad support provided to all Kazakhstan's sports federations and major international projects. Therefore، the fund's commitment remains at the previously allocated 100 million tenge.

The 'Barys' Order and Future Development

In a separate matter، Zharasbayev explained why Assaubayeva has not yet received the II degree 'Barys' Order، approved by presidential decree. He cited her demanding schedule as the reason for the delay in the award ceremony.

"We received proposals to invite her to Akorda for the March 8th holiday. We included her in this list، but she was preparing for competitions in Cyprus at the time and could not attend this event. I believe she will receive the award when she returns to Kazakhstan and her schedule is settled،" he said.

Looking ahead، Zharasbayev announced that a concept for the development of chess in Kazakhstan has been developed following a directive from the head of state. He pointed to the success of other athletes، such as Kazbek Nogerbek، the junior world champion، as evidence of growing talent in the sport.

Assaubayeva's recent social media post detailed her concerns about funding، stating her salary was reduced threefold starting in 2025 and that she had to cover part of her preparation for the Norway Chess tournament with her own prize money. She also noted a lack of increased support following her third world blitz championship win and the pending 'Barys' Order.

This situation echoes previous concerns raised by other athletes. In late May، Mikhail Shaidorov reported not receiving salary for five months and not yet being awarded his Honored Master of Sports certificate، despite meeting the criteria in 2025. The Ministry of Sports indicated that they were discussing improved salary terms under a new contract، and by June 1st، a contract for 2026 had reportedly been signed.