GEBKİM Foundation Continues to Support Işık Can

GEBKİM Foundation Continues Support for Işık Can National athlete Işık Can, 18, who started playing chess at age 7 and has achieved remarkable success through exceptional talent, continues to make Turkey proud with his international accomplishments. IM (International Master) Işık Can, who has been the primary beneficiary of GEBKİM Foundation's main sponsorship for many years, completed the Marienbad Closed GM Norm Tournament held in the Czech Republic in first place with 7 points from 9 rounds. At the tournament where athletes from around the world competed, Işık Can surpassed tough opponents to claim victory and exceeded the 2500 ELO rating threshold with his performance, coming very close to his Grandmaster (GM) goal. The national athlete, who needs just one more GM norm to achieve the Grandmaster title—chess's most prestigious designation—is now very near the top. GEBKİM Education, Research and Health Foundation, which stands out for its projects benefiting society, particularly in education, health and sports, continues to support national chess player Işık Can. GEBKİM Foundation, which has believed in Işık Can based on his talent, discipline and hard work, and has supported the young athlete since his early years, brings with it achievements that make Turkey proud. Starting chess at age 7 while still in primary school, Işık Can quickly distinguished himself with his talent and, with GEBKİM Foundation support, represents Turkey in internationally renowned tournaments. IM Işık Can returned triumphantly from the Marienbad Closed GM Norm Tournament held in the Czech Republic between 14-21 January 2023. Competing against tough opponents, Işık Can completed the tournament in first place with 7 points from 9 rounds. This tournament victory will be remembered as the tournament in which he also earned his second Grandmaster (GM) norm in his career. IM Can achieved a performance rating of 2605 ELO with 5 victories and 4 draws at the tournament and attained his second GM norm. With 13 ELO points gained in the matches, he increased his total rating to 2501. Thus, by surpassing the 2500 ELO threshold required for Grandmaster, chess's highest title, he has also completed the final step before the summit. The national athlete now has only one step ahead to earn the "Grandmaster" title. That step is obtaining one more GM norm. This way, he will have fulfilled all four conditions set by FIDE (International Chess Federation). The accomplished athlete now aims to take a place on the A national chess team as a Grandmaster. GEBKİM Education, Research and Health Foundation Management Board Chair Vefa İbrahim Aracı, expressing great joy and pride at the success shown by Işık Can, who went to the Czech Republic with high morale and returned victorious, stated: "As GEBKİM Foundation, which plays a pioneering role in education, we are proud to support our national athlete Işık Can, who despite his young age has achieved great success in his chess career, and to witness his international accomplishments. We always believed in Işık and stood by him. His recent victory in the Czech Republic was a special source of joy for us. With the points he earned, he has fulfilled two more conditions required to become a Grandmaster. In the 100th year of our Republic, we find it very important and valuable that our young athletes represent our country with such successes. Our support will continue for IM Işık Can's participation in tournaments in Budapest, France, Serbia and again in the Czech Republic in the coming months. I am certain that in the coming years we will see Işık Can's name in even greater successes that will make us and our country proud. I would also like to extend special thanks to our Ambassador to Prague, Mr. Egemen Bağış, for not leaving our national chess player alone during the tournament in the Czech Republic, for receiving his family at his residence, and for his hospitality, interest and moral support regarding his chess career and GEBKİM Foundation's support."