The lineups for the 46th FIDE Chess Olympiad have been officially confirmed. The tournament, to be held in Samarkand from September 15 to 27, will feature a record number of teams: 208 in the open event and 192 women's teams.
Uzbekistan, the host nation, is ranked third in the starting list of the open tournament, behind the United States and defending champions India. However, the hosts are considered one of the most dangerous teams ahead of the Olympiad. The Uzbek team will feature Javokhir Sindarov, Nodirbek Abdusattorov, Nodirbek Yakubboev, Shamsiddin Vokhidov, and Mukhiddin Madaminov.
The team captain is former FIDE World Champion Rustam Kasimdzhanov. Most of the players have already brought gold and bronze medals to the country at previous Olympiads. In 2022 in Chennai, the Uzbek team sensationally won gold, and at the last Olympiad in Budapest, they became bronze medalists. At that event, Shamsiddin Vokhidov won an individual gold medal on his board.
In addition to the main team, Uzbekistan will field two more teams in the open tournament. The additional teams will allow young chess players to showcase their skills. The main rivals for the Uzbek team will be the US, India, and China. The Americans top the starting list, led by Fabiano Caruana and Wesley So.
India arrives as the current leader, with Arjun Erigaisi, Pragnanandhaa, and world champion Gukesh Dommaraju in the lineup. China will present a strong team with Wei Yi and former world champion Ding Liren. In the women's tournament, India is the top seed, followed by Georgia, China, Kazakhstan, and the US.
The Uzbek women's team is seeded 13th. The squad includes Afruza Khamdamova, Gulrukhbegim Tokhirjonova, Nilufarkhon Imomkuzieva, Umida Omonova, and Guldona Karimova. The team captain is Nafisa Muminova. Participants will play 11 classical rounds.
The opening ceremony will take place on September 15, with the first games starting on September 16. It is worth noting that during the FIDE General Assembly in Samarkand, representatives of nearly 200 national federations will elect a new president of the organization from three candidates.
Source: podrobno.uz