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World's fifth-ranked chess player، Grandmaster Bibisara Assaubayeva، has made a public appeal to Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev، seeking assistance amidst significant financial challenges and a perceived lack of state support for her career.

Assaubayeva detailed her struggles، explaining that she has been using her personal funds and her parents' money to prepare for upcoming tournaments. She highlighted that she has not yet paid her seconds and coaches، despite their crucial role in her preparation.

Financial Discrepancies and Ministry Issues

The chess prodigy referenced President Tokayev's past statements about her being part of the nation's "golden fund،" expressing her expectation of state support. However، she has encountered difficulties with the Ministry of Sports.

Assaubayeva noted that the prize money awarded by the Ministry of Sports for achieving world champion status is disproportionately low. While a world championship in chess might yield $2،000، an Olympic medal is rewarded with $250،000. She pointed out that Kazakhstan has no adult world chess champions، while she herself has secured two gold medals.

Although she received a monthly salary of 1 million tenge from the ministry since 2023، this amount was reportedly reduced threefold after Yerbol Mirzakhmetov assumed the role of Minister of Tourism and Sports in 2025. Furthermore، Assaubayeva stated that she has never received any salary from the Kazakhstan Chess Federation.

Funding Rejections and Unfulfilled Promises

During a meeting with Minister Mirzakhmetov، Assaubayeva was reportedly promised assistance through the "Sport Qory" (Sports Fund). However، after submitting an application to the fund، only partial financing was allocated، preventing her from bringing seconds to crucial tournaments، which she believes contributed to her second-place finish in a recent competition.

Vice-Minister Serik Zharasbayev، in his capacity as head of the fund's board of trustees، initially confirmed the application's approval via WhatsApp. However، the fund's director، Yerlan Auganbayev، later denied the request without providing a clear reason.

Unclaimed Honors and Lack of Response

Assaubayeva also recalled being awarded the II degree "Barys" Order by a decree dated December 30، 2025. Despite being invited to Astana three times by the ministry، she has been unable to receive the award.

Her attempts to seek recourse through official channels have also been met with silence. She sent three letters to the President via the eOtinish platform in April and May but received no response. Similarly، her messages to the minister via WhatsApp went unanswered.

"I have major competitions، training camps، and a lot of work ahead of me. What should I do، Mr. President؟" Assaubayeva questioned in her appeal.

Previously، Assaubayeva's mother، Liana Tanzharikova، stated that the President of the Kazakhstan Chess Federation، Timur Turlov، reneged on his initial promise to provide financial assistance to their daughter. Turlov reportedly cited that he is not a billionaire and operates with company funds.

This information was reported by the Infohub.kz news agency.