The Historic 46th Chess Olympiad Set to Begin in Samarkand This September

Starting September 15, 2026, Samarkand, Uzbekistan will host the monumental 46th World Chess Olympiad at the Silk Road International Tourism Centre. This event marks a significant milestone in chess history as it is the first time the prestigious tournament, which has been held since 1927, will take place in Central Asia. A remarkable total of 398 teams will participate, surpassing the previous record of 380 teams set during the 2024 Olympiad in Budapest.

The competition will unfold over the course of 11 rounds, culminating on September 27, and participants will include 208 teams in the men's Open section and 190 in the women's section. This year's tournament not only emphasizes the importance of chess as a global sport but also highlights Uzbekistan's capability to organize vast international events.

Coinciding with the Olympiad, Samarkand will also host the 3rd Chess Paralympiad from September 10 to 18, with a record participation of 41 teams, underlining the growing inclusion within the chess community. As a city recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site and a pivotal stop along the Great Silk Road, Samarkand serves as a fitting backdrop for an event that blends sport, culture, and international diplomacy.

According to the average ratings of the teams, the United States is the top seed in the men's Open section, followed closely by reigning champions India and the host nation Uzbekistan, which ranks third. The Uzbek chess team showcases a promising future with emerging talents like 16-year-olds Nilufarkhon Imomkuziyeva and Khumoyun Begmurodov making their Olympiad debuts.

The Uzbekistan men's team boasts several prominent players ranked among the world’s top competitors. Javokhir Sindarov and Nodirbek Abdusattorov, both in the world's top ten, reflect the strength and competitiveness of the Uzbek chess training programs. Over the past year, the Uzbekistan men's team has advanced by 15 places in the FIDE rankings, now holding the sixth position globally, while the women's team has improved by 17 places to rank 21st.

Alongside the main chess competition, the 97th FIDE Congress will be held in Samarkand from September 19 to 28, which will feature key discussions regarding chess development, including the upcoming FIDE presidential election. This Congress will also provide an additional platform for dialogue and collaboration among chess federations worldwide.

Furthermore, significant stakes are at play for Uzbek chess star Javokhir Sindarov, who will square off against reigning world champion Gukesh Dommaraju in a highly anticipated match for the chess title that will occur in Geneva from November 22 to December 13, just eight weeks after the Olympiad concludes. At only twenty years old, both players are set to represent the future of competitive chess as they vie for the title of world champion.

The hosting of the 46th World Chess Olympiad in conjunction with the 3rd Chess Paralympiad and the FIDE Congress affirms Uzbekistan's remarkable capacity to stage significant international sporting and intellectual events. The event promises not only thrilling matches but also the fostering of cultural exchange and camaraderie among chess enthusiasts from around the globe.

For more information and updates, visit the official tournament website at chessolympiad2026.fide.com.