The XXIII International Chess Tournament "Orsha-2025" brought together about 300 athletes from different regions of Belarus, Russia, Kazakhstan, and Turkmenistan.
- The status of the tournament at the "Lokomotiv-Orsha" Hockey Club sports facility is quite serious. Over 23 years, it has gained authority in the global chess community, - noted the chief arbiter of the competition, international arbiter Anatoly Lebedev. - Group A is an open tournament with FIDE rating calculation, Group B is an open tournament for everyone without FIDE rating calculation, and Groups C, D, E, and F are for young chess players born between 2011 and 2017. The program also includes a blitz tournament and a rapid tournament, as well as a simultaneous exhibition with grandmasters. The competitions are individual and team-based, following the Swiss system over 9 rounds in accordance with current rules. This is a democratic tournament that allows people of all ages to play and showcase their skills.
It is noteworthy that 40 participants from Orsha took part in the tournament this year. One of them is Glebov Denis, who played in Group B.
- I have been practicing this intellectual sport since the first grade, for 10 years now, - the young man said. - What's interesting here is that every child, regardless of whether you are 6 or 15 years old, can play on par with renowned grandmasters. There are many here who, at their young age, already have cups from European and world tournaments. I also hope to win.
For the athletes, the organizers have prepared a rich cultural program with visits to significant places in the region.