By Yelena Gareyeva ’08 (Turkmenabat, Turkmenistan, placed by AYUSA in Saginaw, Michigan)
The Chess Masterclasses project, launched in August 2023, is a long-term initiative spearheaded by Vepa Myalikgulyyev ’96 that has met with significant enthusiasm from alumni and attracted many participants eager to learn and practice chess. Vepa, a prominent figure in Turkmenistan, serves as the President of the Chess Federation of Turkmenistan and is also the Country Director for the USAID Project on the Development of Entrepreneurship and Business Environment in Turkmenistan.
Vepa is deeply committed to promoting chess among FLEX alumni and the broader community. Starting in September 2023, without any financial support, he began conducting two sessions each week in collaboration with chess grandmaster and trainer, Shahruh Turayev. These sessions are held in Ashgabat at the first registered chess cafe in Turkmenistan and at the French Institute.
Vepa has ambitious plans to expand the project, aiming to eventually develop it into a national chess tournament for amateurs. Alumni who have attended the sessions have expressed positive feedback, with many discovering a newfound appreciation for the game. As Maral Ilyasova ’04 from Dashoguz, Turkmenistan, shared:
“I thought chess was a very hard game to play, something I could never be successful at. But Vepa made the chess world a big discovery and a new challenge for me. Chess has had an incredible impact on my vision, critical thinking, and strategy-making skills. It also taught me to be more tolerant, flexible, and quick-thinking in changing situations. I can definitely say that chess keeps my mind sharp.”
In addition to his work in Ashgabat, Vepa is also bringing chess masterclasses to other regions of Turkmenistan. He has supported another alumni project in Dashoguz, led by Madina Seytmuradova ’12. Vepa traveled to Dashoguz to meet with and guide Madina on the details of implementing the project. Vepa continues to engage FLEX alumni across Turkmenistan, involving them both as co-organizers of the classes and as participants.
Featured Alumni:
Vepa Myalikgulyyev ’96 (Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, placed by PIE in Las Vegas, Nevada)
Maral Ilyasova ’04 (Dashoguz, Turkmenistan, placed by ERDT in Loraine, Texas)
Madina Seytmuradova ’12 (Dashouz, Turkmenistan, placed by PAX Richmond, Indiana)
