Nurgyul Salimova Opens Zonta Cup in Ksilifor

Veliko Tarnovo. Bulgarian chess player Nurgyul Salimova was a special guest at the opening of the Zonta Cup children's tournament at the Momina Krepost complex in Ksilifor on 31 October. The competition is part of a two-day Chess Festival organised by Zonta Club Veliko Tarnovo and Etar Chess Club.

Meeting one of Bulgaria's leading chess players

Salimova's appearance was one of the most anticipated moments for the young players. Etar Chess Club chairman Nikolay Yordanov said her visit had brought joy and inspiration to the children. Salimova is a European club and team champion, and in 2023 she reached the final of the Women's Chess World Cup.

Tournament concludes on 1 November

The competition brings together boys and girls in junior age categories, including under-8, under-10, under-12 and under-14 players. Under the programme announced in advance, the award ceremony is scheduled for 1 November at 4:00 p.m. in Ksilifor. Final results have not been confirmed at the time of publication, so no winners are named here.

The event illustrates how local clubs and civic organisations encourage children's chess by arranging meetings with established players and opportunities to compete. The organisers have also announced prizes for participants.

Sources: Yantra Dnes, 31 October 2026; Borba, 21 October 2026 (advance programme).

Photo: Randy Fath / Unsplash — illustrative image of chess pieces, not taken at the tournament in Ksilifor.