The world’s largest backgammon tournament, Asian Grand Prix, has started in Uzbekistan with an unprecedented $500,000 prize fund
From March 23 to 29, the international Asian Grand Prix tournament, organized by the International Backgammon Federation (IBF), is taking place in the capital of Uzbekistan. The event has already entered history as the largest backgammon tournament in the world: the prize fund reached a record $500,000, more than seven times higher than the previous tournament in Dubai.
The large-scale transformation initiative is led by IBF President Umar Kremlev, who is consistently implementing a strategy to bring backgammon to a new international level. The tournament in Tashkent has become one of the biggest steps in this direction, bringing together players from around the world.
“Backgammon is a game with a rich history, and today we are entering a new era of its development. Our goal is to make backgammon a truly global sport. We will continue to improve tournaments and expand the geography of participants. I thank Tashkent, the country’s leadership, and everyone supporting the development of backgammon. I wish all participants fair and beautiful games,” said Umar Kremlev.
About 500 players from nearly 50 countries are taking part in the tournament. The largest delegation comes from Russia — 140 participants, including 36 national team players. Representatives from Argentina, China, Turkey, the USA, Italy and many other countries are also competing. The high level of officiating is ensured by 24 international arbiters.
The tournament is being held at the modern AXELON venue in Tashkent, equipped with more than 180 playing tables. The program includes 12 disciplines — a record number for competitions of this level. Live broadcasts and full media coverage are organized for spectators.
The opening ceremony was attended by Deputy Minister of Sports of the Republic of Uzbekistan Avazjon Karimov, Chairman of the Tourism Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan Abdulaziz Akkulov, and Vice President of the International Belt Wrestling Federation Ravshan Dastirov.
The information partners of the tournament are the Rossotrudnichestvo Representative Office in the Republic of Uzbekistan and Moscow 24.
