On 4 April 2026, Coventry University Kazakhstan became the vibrant centre of intellectual battle as it successfully hosted the annual Phoenix Chess Tournament 2026. The event, organised in partnership with the Kazakhstan Chess Federation, brought together 50 talented young chess players, students from grades 11–12 of schools and final-year college students (class of 2026) for a day of fierce yet friendly competition at the university campus in Astana.

The tournament, held under FIDE rules using the Swiss system with 9 rounds and a time control of 10 minutes + 5 seconds per move, showcased exceptional talent, strategic brilliance, and unwavering concentration. From the first moves at 10:30 until the final results were announced at 15:40, the atmosphere was electric with excitement, quiet determination, and the unmistakable spirit of fair play.

The absolute winner, Kumar Assylkhan, claimed the prestigious main prize, a 100% grant to study at Coventry University Kazakhstan. Second place went to Galymbek Alikhan, who received the innovative SenseRobot AI Chess Robot. Third place was taken by Suleimen Ergaly, who was awarded a premium Eldorado Chess set.

Participants finishing 4th to 6th Moldagali Beksultan, Zhenis Madiyar, and Nauanova Zhaniya received special university merchandise as a token of recognition for their outstanding performance.

This tournament perfectly embodies Coventry University Kazakhstan’s commitment to developing not only academic excellence but also well-rounded individuals through sport and intellectual challenges. The grant prize creates a real pathway for gifted young minds to receive a world-class British education right here in Kazakhstan.

“Hosting the Phoenix Chess Tournament once again demonstrates our university’s dedication to youth development, popularising chess among the new generation, and fostering strategic thinking — skills that are essential in today’s world of technology and innovation,” said Miras Daulenov, President of Coventry University Kazakhstan.

The event once again confirmed that Coventry University Kazakhstan is not only a leading British university in Central Asia but also a dynamic hub for student life, creativity, and healthy competition.

Coventry University was founded in 1843. Today, the University is highly recognised for the quality of its education both in the United Kingdom and internationally — across Europe and Asia. Its educational excellence has been confirmed by the UK Government’s prestigious Gold award under the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF), granted to only around 40 out of 130 British universities. According to the THE World University Rankings, the university is among the top 100 universities worldwide for "International Outlook" and ranks third in the UK for its number of international students.