From triumph in Samarkand to a global chess hub: President meets with champions

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev met with members of Uzbekistan’s national chess and para-chess teams, their relatives, mentors and coaches.

The Head of State once again congratulated the country’s chess players on their historic victory at the 46th World Chess Olympiad held in Samarkand.

“I congratulate all of you and the entire people of Uzbekistan on the prestigious and honorable title of two-time Olympic champions!” said the President.

Around 2,000 chess players from more than 200 countries, including leading grandmasters and reigning champions, participated in the Olympiad in Samarkand. Amid such intense competition, our compatriots succeeded in raising the flag of Uzbekistan to the top of the podium. The fact that this victory was achieved on home soil, with the entire nation watching, gave it special significance.

More than 60,000 local and international guests came to Samarkand to watch the competitions in person.

Around 500,000 fans across the regions and millions of our compatriots eagerly followed the chess players’ performances on television and online.

Reflecting on the decisive games, the President particularly highlighted the match against defending Olympic champion India. Despite being in a difficult position against Nihal Sarin, Nodirbek Yakubboev fought until the very end. Taking advantage of his opponent’s mistake and executing a series of tactical moves, he secured a decisive victory for the team.

Following this result, Uzbekistan became the sole leader. The national team went on to defeat China 3-1 and also overcame the United States, the world’s top-ranked team and a six-time Olympiad champion.

Nodirbek Abdusattorov went undefeated throughout the tournament and won the individual gold medal on the first board. Particular mention was made of his victory in a difficult endgame against Fabiano Caruana, who ranks third in the world rankings.

The Head of State also recalled Javokhir Sindarov’s historic success in the Candidates Tournament. He also demonstrated composure and consistency at the Olympiad. The President emphasized that the entire people of Uzbekistan believe in Javokhir’s success in the upcoming World Championship match.

Making his Olympiad debut, Mukhiddin Madaminov defeated Ukraine’s Roman Dekhtiarov with the black pieces on the decisive day, earning the team the point it needed to secure the gold medals. Shamsiddin Vokhidov, in turn, played on equal terms with reigning world champion Gukesh while also playing with the black pieces. As noted, every member of the team contributed to this victory.

Uzbekistan was represented by six national teams at the Olympiad – three men’s and three women’s. The second men’s team scored an impressive victory over the Netherlands, ranked sixth in the world. Seventeen-year-old Asrorjon Omonov, playing for the third team, recorded seven victories in eight games.

“It would not be an exaggeration to say that we have not just two or three chess players, but an entire generation of strong players,” said the President.

The women’s teams also demonstrated resilience. The first team won seven of its 11 rounds and competed on equal terms with strong opponents. The President noted the efforts of Afruza Khamdamova, Gulrukhbegim Tokhirjonova, Umida Omonova, Nilufar Imamkulova, Guldona Karimova and other female chess players. The Head of State also expressed confidence that Uzbek female chess players will also reach the top of the Olympic podium in the future.

At the Third FIDE Para Chess Olympiad held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan won a bronze medal for the first time. Selbi Kakishova scored six points in seven games and won an individual silver medal on her board. Abdulaziz Bakhodirov won an individual bronze medal, while Akhadkhon Kimsanboev completed the tournament undefeated. The President highly praised the determination and efforts of the para-chess players.

The Head of State emphasized that behind these achievements stand the athletes’ parents, first mentors, coaches and the teams that supported them. The President particularly noted the contribution of world champion Rustam Kasymdzhanov, who shares his experience and knowledge with the new generation.

“The greatest victory for a mentor is the success of their disciples, who reach even greater heights!” said the Head of State.

The President noted that FIDE’s recognition of the Uzbekistan Chess Federation as the “Best Federation,” the election of Rustam Kasymdzhanov as FIDE Honorary Vice President and the election of Khulkar Tokhirzhonova as FIDE Regional President for Central Asia reflect Uzbekistan’s growing standing in world chess.

“These results are not accidental. This is a school, this is a system, this is a new level of Uzbek chess,” said the President.

In accordance with a resolution adopted in 2018, chess instruction has been introduced in schools, a system for training coaches has been established, and the development of chess clubs has begun. Over the past ten years, 17 Uzbek chess players have earned the title of international grandmaster, five of them women.

The Head of State outlined the next goal: to make New Uzbekistan not only an Olympic champion but also a global chess hub. He noted that the country has experienced and highly accomplished champions who can serve as role models for young people. Inspired by their achievements, thousands of children are taking up chess, creating a strong foundation for identifying new talent.

To this end, the task has been set to identify talented children at an early age in every region, district and mahalla, pair them with strong mentors, and create conditions for their regular participation in international tournaments. A separate system will be established to develop women’s chess and para-chess.

Regional branches of the Tashkent International Chess Academy will be opened in Samarkand, Khorezm and Fergana. The academy will establish training programs for top-level coaches. The state will cover half of the tuition fees at private chess clubs for players with a FIDE rating above 1,500.

In addition, international tournaments under the national “O‘zbekiston Grand Chess” brand will be held regularly. The President proposed building a modern chess palace in New Tashkent, featuring a playing hall for 500 spectators, a residential building and sports grounds.

At the meeting, it was announced that a decision had been made to reward the winners and medalists of the chess and para-chess Olympiads, as well as their coaches. Under the decision, the champions will be awarded housing and cars. The para-chess bronze medalists will also be awarded housing and cars. The head coaches of the national teams, Rustam Kasymdzhanov and Samandar Shermukhamedov, will be awarded cars.

Each Olympic champion will receive $200,000, while their coaches will receive $50,000. Each para-chess bronze medalist will receive $50,000, while their coaches will receive $12,500.

In accordance with a presidential decree, a group of chess players, their mentors and representatives of the chess community received state awards for their contribution to enhancing the prestige of the Motherland, as well as for their skill and dedication. The awards were presented during the meeting.

The Head of State emphasized that these awards represent not only recognition of the athletes’ current achievements but also confidence in their future success.

The athletes, parents, mentors and coaches who spoke expressed their deep gratitude to the Head of State for his support of chess, the favorable conditions provided, and the high recognition of their achievements.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the President posed for a group photo with members of the national teams and their parents.