President Shavkat Mirziyoyev held a meeting with members of the national chess and para-chess teams of Uzbekistan, as well as their families.
The head of state once again congratulated the Uzbek chess players on their historic victory at the 46th World Chess Olympiad. The President stated: 'May this high and honorable title of two-time Olympic champions become a celebration for all of us and for the entire people of Uzbekistan!'
It was noted that the Olympiad, held in Samarkand, was not just a sporting event. About 2000 chess players from more than 200 countries participated, including leading grandmasters and current champions.
The head of state emphasized: 'To raise the flag of Uzbekistan on the highest podium in such a highly competitive environment is a true example of courage, high intelligence, and strong will.' The victory was particularly significant because it was achieved on home soil in front of the Uzbek people. More than 60,000 visitors came to Samarkand to watch the Olympiad in person, while about 500,000 fans followed the games in regional fan zones. Millions of Uzbeks watched the matches on television and online.
The President also mentioned that he followed the decisive games with great interest. He noted: 'In some games, you kept not only your opponents but also us on edge.'
The head of state specifically highlighted the match against the defending Indian Olympic champions. He recalled that at one point Nodirbek Yakubbaev faced a difficult position against Nihal Sarin. The President noted: 'But you fought bravely until the end. Your exceptionally resourceful tactical moves completely changed the situation and brought our team the decisive victory.'
After the loss to India, Uzbekistan took the sole first place in the table. Then the Uzbek team defeated China 3:1 and also surpassed the United States, a world-class team and six-time Olympic champion.
The President noted that Nodirbek Abdusattorov played the entire tournament without a loss and won the gold medal on the first board. He especially highlighted Abdusattorov's victory over American Fabiano Caruana in a complex endgame. The head of state stated: 'This in itself is a great achievement!'
Addressing Javohir Sindarov, the President reminded him of his historic victory at the Candidates Tournament several months ago. At the Olympiad, Sindarov once again demonstrated calmness and stability, holding his ground against strong opponents. The head of state said: 'Now you have another big goal—the fight for the world crown. Today, not only your teammates and coaches are behind you, but almost 40 million people of Uzbekistan. We believe in you!'
Mukhyiddin Madaminov, participating in a major tournament for the first time, defeated Ukrainian Roman Dekhtyarov with black pieces on the decisive day, securing the necessary point for the team to win the gold medal. The country's leader noted that his determination to win and his achievements won the hearts of the fans.
Shamsiddin Vohidov also made a valuable contribution to the overall result. Playing with black against the reigning world champion Gukesh, he competed on equal terms with his opponent and demonstrated his potential. The President concluded: 'This gold medal contains hard work and the huge contribution of every team member.'
The head of state expressed confidence that books would be written about the chess players and films would be made about them, and their style of play would enter textbooks. The President noted that Uzbekistan was represented by six national teams in total at the Olympiad, among men and women. The results and playing styles of all teams attracted the interest of the global chess community.
The second men's team of Uzbekistan achieved a significant victory over the Netherlands, which ranks sixth in the world. The head of state also called this an important achievement.
Seventeen-year-old Asrorjon Omanov, who played for the third team, won seven out of eight of his games. His result showed the potential of talented chess players growing in Uzbekistan. The President expressed confidence: 'We can confidently say that we do not just have two or three chess players, but an entire strong generation,' believing that this generation and the young players following them will achieve even greater success in world chess.
The head of state also noted that the women's teams of Uzbekistan demonstrated great determination and resilience at the Olympiad. The first team won seven out of 11 rounds and played on equal footing with representatives of leading chess nations in the world. The President specifically praised the efforts of Afruza Khamdamova, Gulrukhbegim Tokhirjonova, Umida Omonova, Nilufar Imomkuziyeva, Guldona Karimova, and other female chess players. He expressed confidence: 'I am sure that Uzbek women chess players will definitely reach the top of the Olympic podium.'
At the third Para-Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, the Uzbekistan team won its first bronze medal. Selbi Kakishova scored six points in seven games and won the silver medal on her board. Abdulaziz Bahodirov won the bronze medal in the individual standings, while Akhadxon Kimsanbayev remained undefeated. The President separately expressed gratitude to every para-chess player.
The head of state emphasized that behind every champion are their parents, first mentor, coaches, and the entire team that supported them, so the victory is the result of their joint work. He specifically addressed Rustam Kasimdjanov. It was noted that his world champion title marked the beginning of a new era in Uzbek chess, and the experience he accumulated is now being passed on to the new generation. The President stated: 'The greatest victory of a mentor is the success of his students, who achieve even greater heights!' He stressed that the succession of generations is evident in modern Uzbek chess.
The Uzbekistan Chess Federation was recognized by FIDE as the 'Best Federation.' Rustam Kasimdjanov was elected Honorary Vice-President of FIDE, and Hulkar Tokhirjonova became the Regional President of FIDE for Central Asia. The head of state noted that these recognitions are yet another testament to Uzbekistan's growing reputation in the world as a chess power.
Four years ago, in the Indian city of Chennai, the Uzbekistan team became chess Olympiad champions for the first time. In 2024, the team took third place in Budapest, and now they have won the gold medal again in Samarkand. The President stated: 'These results are not accidental. This is a school, this is a system, this is a new level of Uzbek chess.'
The head of state noted that Uzbekistan has long had many talented chess players, but it lacked a system capable of supporting and uniting them. After adopting a resolution in 2018, a system for teaching chess in schools, training coaches, and developing clubs was created. Five years ago, the country set a goal to enter the top ten strongest countries in the FIDE rating. The President stressed that this noble goal has already become a reality and even exceeded the set task, based on a long-term strategy and constant work.
In the last 10 years, 17 Uzbek chess players have been awarded the title of international grandmaster, five of whom are women. The President noted that the champions are still very young, while hundreds and thousands of talented children are growing up behind them. The head of state stated: 'We will turn New Uzbekistan not only into a country of Olympic champions but also into a world chess center.'
The President noted that Uzbekistan has champions who have achieved high results, gained experience, and are capable of serving as role models for young people. Millions of children across the country watched every victory and every move of Uzbek chess players at the Olympiad. The President expressed confidence that inspired by their success, thousands of young people have started studying chess. He addressed the champions: 'You are not just athletes right now. For the youth of New Uzbekistan, you are symbols of intellect, knowledge, patience, discipline, and faith in victory.'
In this regard, it was emphasized that talented children should be identified in a timely manner in every region, district, and mahalla, provided with strong mentors, and given the opportunity to regularly participate in international tournaments. A separate system will be created for the development of women's and para-chess. The President announced his intention to award the winners and prize-winners of the Chess and Para-Chess Olympiads, as well as their coaches. According to the decision, champions Nodirbek Abdusattorov, Javohir Sindarov, Nodirbek Yakubbaev, Mukhyiddin Madaminov, and Shamsiddin Vohidov will receive houses and cars. Para-chess players Akhadxon Kimsanbayev, Marsel Shoysupov, Sardorbek Mamaradzhabov, Selbi Kakishova, and Siroddin Zainidinov will also receive houses and cars. The head coaches of the national teams, Rustam Kasimdjanov and Samandar Shermukhamadov, will receive cars. Every chess player who became an Olympic champion will receive a cash bonus of 200,000 US dollars, and their coaches will receive 50,000 US dollars. Every para-chess player who won a bronze medal will receive 50,000 US dollars, and their coaches will receive 12,500 US dollars. The head of state said: 'Today our chess and para-chess players will sit behind the wheel of new cars and move into their new homes.'
Thus, the hard work of the winners and prize-winners receives due recognition. The President previously signed a decree awarding state honors to a group of chess players, their mentors, and industry representatives for their contribution to enhancing Uzbekistan's reputation, as well as for their skill and courage. The presentation ceremony took place during the meeting. The head of state wished: 'May these awards be not only a recognition of your current victory but also a symbol of great trust in you and your future achievements at even higher levels.'
The country's leader expressed gratitude to the parents, mentors, and coaches of the athletes, as well as to the employees of the Uzbekistan Chess Federation. At the end of the meeting, the President wished: 'May our victories continue! Always be healthy and prosperous, my dear children!'
