"Tussau Kesuu" with Ding Liren, world chess champion from China conducts Kazakh ceremony for young Kazakhstani, DKnews.kz reports.

The World Rapid and Blitz Team Championships continue with the celebration of good Kazakh traditions. The famous Chinese chess player, the 17th World Champion Ding Liren, performed the "tussau kesuu" ceremony for a young Kazakhstani.

On Sunday, at the Hilton hotel in the capital, the grandmaster and reigning world champion cut the ties for little Chingiz, who is about to turn one year old.

"Our family was fortunate that the first cautious steps of our son coincided with the time when such a major championship, gathering stars of the chess world, is being held in Astana. It is an honor for us that the current champion Ding Liren, known for his calm character, courtesy, and great talent, conducted this important ceremony for the Kazakh people. May our Chingiz have a bright path and become a renowned champion and a valiant citizen of his country," Chingiz's father Asylkhan Karaev noted.

Asylkhan himself is a chess player and a FIDE arbiter. He admits that even if his son does not follow in his footsteps, the skill of playing chess will always help him think strategically and make the right moves in life.

The chess player cut the ties for the boy and, together with the child's mother, led him along the "aq jol" (white path). After the ceremony, 31-year-old Ding Liren gave the child some words of encouragement.

"I am honored today to participate in this symbolic ceremony. This is my first experience in such ceremonies. I hope the child will have a happy life and a bright path, whichever direction he chooses," Ding Liren said.

From the items symbolizing different professions, the young Kazakhstani, walking along the white path, chose the chess queen piece. As a sign of gratitude and in Kazakh tradition, the parents presented Ding with a gift.

The event was also attended by participants of a business breakfast for businesswomen, held in Astana as part of the championship. FIDE Deputy Chairperson, Latvian politician and grandmaster Dana Reizniece-Ozola, spoke on the important topic of women's leadership and overcoming barriers faced by women on the path to success.