Uzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has sent a congratulatory message to the members of the national chess team that won the 46th World Chess Olympiad held in Samarkand. The presidential press service reported the news, highlighting the historic nature of the achievement.
"I sincerely congratulate you, my dear children, who have shone as bright stars in the world chess sky, on your historic victory at the 46th World Chess Olympiad," the message reads. The president called them "heroes of new Uzbekistan, the golden generation that has created a new history in the world of chess." "Our entire nation is endlessly proud of you," he said.
Special emphasis was placed on the team's victories over the reigning Olympic champion India, China—with its ancient chess school and numerous grandmasters—and the United States, which holds the top spot in the world ranking and is a six-time Olympic champion. The play of each team member—Nodirbek Abdusattorov, Nodirbek Yakubboev, Javokhir Sindarov, and Muhiddin Madaminov, who participated in such a major international competition for the first time—was highly praised. In turn, it was noted that Shamsiddin Vokhidov, in uncompromising games against representatives of India, Turkey, and Hungary, did not lose his composure and managed to score important points.
"In a word, the whole world recognized what a great chess school and generation of chess players have been formed in new Uzbekistan, seeing that each member of our team believed in themselves and moved only forward," the head of state said. The result of the team that competed with the second squad was also described as "joyful." Uzbekistan-2 scored 15 team points and took 18th place. "My son Jakhongir Vokhidov showed strong will and led our team towards prize-winning places. The confident victories over representatives of countries such as Spain, England, and the Netherlands have become unforgettable history," said Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
The women's team was also noted for demonstrating true resilience in tough battles. "The fact that they competed on equal terms with the US team, achieved 7 victories in 11 rounds, and secured thirteenth place is also an important result," the president said. Furthermore, he highlighted that para-chess players at the Samarkand Olympiad showed great courage and for the first time in the history of such games won a bronze medal. "I was very pleased that my daughter Selbi won silver in the individual standings, my son Abdulaziz won bronze, and my son Akhadkhon did not lose at all," said Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
According to him, "the constant attention paid to the development of chess in the country, the established effective system, and favorable conditions have been important factors in ensuring the results achieved by young people." Recently, we adopted another presidential decree in this regard; this document will certainly create a solid foundation for even greater results in the near future, he said. It was also noted that the Uzbekistan Chess Federation was recognized by FIDE as the winner in the "Best Federation" nomination for 2026, coach and grandmaster Rustam Kasimdzhanov was elected honorary vice-president of FIDE, and Hulkar Takhirjanova was elected regional president of FIDE for Central Asian countries—all of which is seen as further evidence of Uzbekistan's growing reputation as a chess country.
"Our common victory, achieved in this great city where the voice of 3000 years of rich history and culture resounds, one of the centers of the Second Renaissance of the 14th-15th centuries, further enhances its value," said Shavkat Mirziyoyev. The president also said that in November, in the historic match for the world crown [against Dommaraju Gukesh], he expects great success from Javokhir Sindarov: "You are certainly capable of it, my son Javokhir!"
Source: www.gazeta.uz