Chess Olympiad to Be Largest Ever as Central Asia Hosts for First Time

The 46th World Chess Olympiad is set to commence in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, from September 15th to 27th. This marks the first time Central Asia will host the prestigious competition, which has been held since 1927, and it is poised to be the largest team tournament in chess history. The Olympiad anticipates a new record for participants and teams, with 398 teams registered: 208 in the men's (Open) section and 190 in the women's section. This surpasses the previous record of 380 teams set in Budapest in 2024. A total of 1,974 players, including 240 grandmasters, will compete. Including coaches and delegation members, Samarkand is expected to welcome over 4,000 guests. Prior to the Olympiad, the 3rd Chess Paralympiad will be held from September 10th to 18th. It will feature 41 teams, the highest number in the event's history, underscoring the development of inclusive sport and elevating chess's status as an intellectual sport accessible to all. Held in historic Samarkand, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a key crossroads of the Great Silk Road, the event merges sporting competition with a platform for cultural diplomacy and international dialogue. The United States is seeded first in the men's (Open) section, while India is the top seed in the women's section. The host nation, Uzbekistan, is showcasing a new generation of chess talent by fielding three teams each in the men's and women's sections, comprised of young players. Notably, 16-year-olds Nilufarkhon Imomkuziyeva and Khumoyun Begmurodov will make their Olympiad debuts. Gulrukhbegim Tokhirjonova, who previously represented the United States, will now compete for Uzbekistan. Uzbekistan's rising prominence in the chess world is reflected in its team rankings. The men's team has climbed 15 places to sixth in the FIDE ranking of 204 countries, and the women's team has ascended 17 places to 21st. Alongside the Olympiad, the 97th FIDE Congress will convene in Samarkand from September 19th to 28th, bringing together leaders from over 200 chess federations, including the election of the FIDE President. The 46th World Chess Olympiad will also be a significant stage for Uzbek player Javokhir Sindarov. Eight weeks after the Olympiad concludes, he is set to challenge reigning world champion Gukesh Dommaraju for the world crown. Both players will be 20 years old at the start of the match, scheduled for November 22nd to December 13th in Geneva, marking the youngest World Championship match in chess history. Both Sindarov and Gukesh will represent their national teams in Samarkand before their title clash. The simultaneous hosting of the 46th World Chess Olympiad, the 3rd Chess Paralympiad, and the FIDE Congress in Samarkand demonstrates Uzbekistan's capacity to organize major international sporting and intellectual events at a high level. These competitions are expected to elevate the country's efforts in developing youth sport, supporting inclusive sport, and strengthening international sports diplomacy. Full details are available on the official tournament website: chessolympiad2026.fide.com Information Source: The Diplomat Indonesia