President Shavkat Mirziyoyev congratulated the national chess team of Uzbekistan on winning the 46th World Chess Olympiad, which was held in Samarkand. According to a statement from the President of Uzbekistan's press service dated September 27, the country's players became Olympic champions for the second time.
The competition gathered nearly 2000 chess players from over 200 countries. During the tournament, Uzbekistan defeated the defending champions, India, as well as China and the United States, which hold leading positions in the world rankings and have won the Olympiad six times.
The President addressed the team members, calling them 'heroes of New Uzbekistan' and a 'golden generation that has written a new chapter in the history of world chess.' He specifically noted the achievements of each participant.
Nodirbek Abdusattorov finished the tournament without any losses and won the gold medal on the first board. Nodirbek Yakubbaev secured decisive victories for the team against opponents from Turkey, India, China, and the United States; his game against Indian player Nihal Sarin was noted as particularly dramatic.
Javhohir Sindarov made a significant contribution to the overall victory. Mukhiddin Madaminov, who participated in such a large international tournament for the first time, also remained undefeated. Shamsiddin Vohidov earned important points in matches against players from India, Turkey, and Hungary.
The President separately highlighted the achievements of Uzbekistan's second team, which, thanks to Jakhongir Vohidov, secured prize places. This team defeated opponents from Spain, England, and the Netherlands.
The women's national team of Uzbekistan won seven out of eleven of its matches, demonstrated equal play against the United States, and finished in 13th place. Furthermore, Uzbekistan's para-chess players won a bronze medal for the first time in the history of the competition. In the individual standings, Selbi received silver, Abdulaziz received bronze, and Akhadhon finished the tournament without losses.
Mirziyoyev cited attention to chess development, an established training system, and the conditions created for athletes' training as factors in the success. He also mentioned the recent adoption of another presidential decree in this area.
In 2026, FIDE recognized the Uzbekistan Chess Federation as the 'Best Federation.' Grandmaster Rustam Kasimdzhanov was elected honorary vice-president of FIDE, and Hulkar Tahirdjanova became the regional president of FIDE for Central Asian countries.
According to Mirziyoyev, the Olympiad in Samarkand entered history due to the record number of participating countries and chess players. The President expressed gratitude to the residents of the Samarkand region, the local hokimiyat, and the organizers of the competition.
The President also reminded that Javhohir Sindarov will participate in the World Chess Championship title match in November, expressing confidence in his victory.
