To the Members of the Uzbekistan National Chess Team

Sport

My dear sons and daughters! Esteemed mentors and coaches! With all my heart, I congratulate you—my dear children who have shone brightly in the global chess firmament—on your historic victory at the 46th World Chess Olympiad. May the prestigious title of two-time Olympic champions and this magnificent triumph serve as a celebration for us all—for our entire multi-ethnic nation!

To the Members of the Uzbekistan National Chess Team
In these stirring moments, the entire country and the global chess community marvel at the intellect, unyielding will, mastery, and courage you demonstrated during intense competition against renowned teams and nearly two thousand chess players from over 200 countries.

You are the heroes of New Uzbekistan, a golden generation that has written a new chapter in the history of world chess. Our entire nation is immensely proud of you.

At this prestigious tournament, you proved yourselves worthy heirs to our great ancestors—Muhammad Khwarizmi, Ahmad Ferghani, Beruni, Ibn Sina, Amir Temur, Mirzo Ulugbek, and Alisher Navoi—whose intellect and knowledge once captivated the world.

You defeated the reigning Olympiad champion, the Indian national team. You achieved a historic victory over the team from China—a country with deep-rooted chess traditions and a multitude of grandmasters. You also triumphed over the USA team, which holds the top spot in the world rankings and has won the Olympiad six times.

Nodirbek Abdusattorov went through the entire tournament without a single loss, proved himself a true team leader, and won the gold medal on the first board. I would like to make special mention of Nodirbek Yakubboev, who demonstrated exceptional determination and resilience in tense matches against players from Turkey, India, China, and the USA, securing decisive victories for our team.

Yakubboev’s game against the Indian player Nihal Sarin was particularly dramatic. The tactical moves the representative of New Uzbekistan found in an incredibly complex position amazed chess enthusiasts around the world.

Another of our courageous sons, Javokhir Sindarov, played like a true champion and made a significant contribution to the overall victory.

The performance of Mukhiddin Madaminov, who was competing in such a major international tournament for the first time, also deserves high praise. He repeatedly caught strong opponents off guard and remained undefeated throughout the event.

Fans will also remember the games played by Shamsiddin Vokhidov; in hard-fought contests against representatives from India, Turkey, and Hungary, he maintained his composure and secured vital points for the team.

Every member of our national team believed in their abilities and strove for success. The entire world witnessed the strength of the chess school and the generation of talented players that have emerged in New Uzbekistan.

The result achieved by our second team is also gratifying. Jahongir Vokhidov demonstrated great character and led the squad to a top finish. Their commanding victories over teams from Spain, England, and the Netherlands will long be remembered.

Our women's team also demonstrated resilience in the face of tough competition. Our players held their own against the USA team, secured seven victories across eleven rounds, and finished in thirteenth place. This, too, is a significant achievement.

Our para-chess players demonstrated immense courage in Samarkand and won a bronze medal—a first in the history of these competitions. I was delighted that Selbi won silver in the individual event and Abdulaziz took bronze, while Ahadkhon finished the tournament undefeated.

In each of our chess players, the people see the educated, strong-willed youth of New Uzbekistan—young people capable of achieving the highest goals.

Undoubtedly, this outstanding victory will give us all renewed strength and inspiration, serving as a shining example for the rising generation.

Key factors in your success have been the constant attention paid to the development of chess in our country, the established training system, and the provision of necessary facilities. We recently adopted another Presidential decree in this area. I am confident it will lay a solid foundation for future achievements in the coming years.

Further evidence of Uzbekistan’s growing stature as a chess powerhouse is the recognition of the Uzbekistan Chess Federation as the "Best Federation" by FIDE for 2026. Experienced coach and Grandmaster Rustam Kasimdzhanov has been elected Honorary Vice-President of FIDE, while Khulkar Takhirjonova has been named FIDE Regional President for Central Asia.

My dear friends!

For two weeks, majestic Samarkand served as the capital of the chess world. The prestigious competitions held here have made history, drawing a record number of participating countries and players. Our nationwide triumph has taken on special significance because it was achieved in this very city—a place with a three-thousand-year history and a rich culture, and one of the centers of the Second Renaissance during the 14th and 15th centuries.

Another great chess celebration awaits us this November. We all look forward to a brilliant victory from the pride of our chess community, Javokhir Sindarov, in the historic match for the world crown. You are certainly capable of achieving this, dear Javokhir!

I would like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude to our sons and daughters who have so worthily upheld the honor of our Motherland at the 46th World Chess Olympiad, as well as to their parents, mentors, coaches, and all members of the national team.

I also extend my appreciation to the residents of the Samarkand region, representatives of the local administration, and all the organizers who ensured the competition was held to the highest standard and extended the hospitality, respect, and care characteristic of our people to the Olympiad participants.

I wish you all good health, family happiness, and great success in your future endeavors.

May our chess players—who have gifted us this magnificent celebration and glorious victory—always enjoy good health and well-being!

May new, brilliant victories always accompany you, my dear children!

Shavkat Mirziyoyev,

President of the Republic of Uzbekistan

Powered by Froala Editor

Share with friends