Uzbekistan wins the 46th Chess Olympiad in Samarkand
Uzbekistan's open team took gold on home soil in Samarkand with 20 match points and first place — the nation's second Olympiad title.
Uzbekistan's open chess team won the gold medal at the 46th World Chess Olympiad, held in Samarkand. The team finished first overall with 20 of 22 match points — 10 round wins and a single loss.
The final round
In the decisive last round Uzbekistan beat Ukraine 2.5–1.5. The clinching point came on board four from reserve Mukhiddin Madaminov, who finished the event unbeaten on 5.5/7.
Team and individual results
The roster: Nodirbek Abdusattorov (board 1), Javokhir Sindarov (board 2), Nodirbek Yakubboev (board 3), Jasur Vokhidov (board 4) and reserve Mukhiddin Madaminov, captained by Rustam Kasimdzhanov. Abdusattorov took individual board-one gold with 8.5/11 and went undefeated throughout.
Silver and bronze
India took silver on tiebreaks and Germany bronze, both on 18 match points. The open section set a participation record: 206 teams from 204 nations and 1,024 players.
Women's section
In the women's Olympiad, China beat Vietnam 3–1 to win a seventh title. Kazakhstan took silver and India bronze.
History and recognition
This is Uzbekistan's second Olympiad gold, after Chennai 2022; the team won bronze in Budapest in 2024. Four of the five players from the 2022 squad won again in Samarkand.
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev congratulated the team, calling them the 'golden generation' and 'heroes of New Uzbekistan.' Nodirbek Abdusattorov said after the win: 'Right now we are the world's strongest team.'
