Pakistan hand Israel 4-0 win after declining to dip into FIDE World Chess Olympiad

Pakistan surrendered its opening-round match versus Israel at the 46th FIDE World Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, after declining to field gamers throughout all 4 boards.Israel was granted a 4-0 success by default in the Open area, with every board left unplayed. The Chess Federation of Pakistan (CFP) stated the choice followed Pakistan’s main state policy of not identifying Israel. CFP president Syed Zeeshan Naqvi stated the boycott was likewise meant to reveal uniformity with the Palestinian individuals.“We have actually boycotted the match to reveal uniformity with the Palestinian individuals,” Naqvi stated.Pakistan stays qualified to take part in the staying rounds of the Olympiad regardless of the opening-round surrender.

Pakistan state boycott shows federal government position

Naqvi stated Pakistan had a clear and constant policy relating to Israel which the federation might not participate in a match that broke the federal government’s position. The choice suggested Israel got the complete 4 points readily available from the match with no video games being played.

Chess Olympiad 2026: Format and schedule

The 46th FIDE Chess Olympiad is happening in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, from September 15 to 27, 2026. It includes different Open and Women’s competitors, with groups completing in an 11-round Swiss- system format. Each group fields 4 gamers in a match, with a reserve gamer readily available.The competition is being held at the Silk Road International Exhibition Centre and unites nationwide groups from worldwide. The program likewise consists of the 3rd FIDE Chess Olympiad for People with Disabilities.India are safeguarding champs in both the Open and Women’s areas, having actually won gold in both competitors at the 2024 Chess Olympiad in Budapest.