Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — President Shavkat Mirziyoyev is meeting members of Uzbekistan’s national chess and para-chess teams, as well as their families.
The head of state once again congratulated the Uzbek chess players on their historic victory at the 46th World Chess Olympiad.
“May this high and honorable title of two-time Olympic champions be a celebration for all of us and for the entire people of Uzbekistan!” the President said.
It was noted that the Olympiad in Samarkand was not an ordinary sporting event. Around 2,000 chess players from more than 200 countries took part, including leading grandmasters and reigning champions.
“To raise the flag of Uzbekistan to the highest podium in such a highly competitive field is a true example of courage, high intelligence and strong will,” the head of state said.
The victory was particularly significant because it was achieved on home soil in front of the Uzbek people. More than 60,000 visitors came to Samarkand to watch the Olympiad in person, while around 500,000 fans followed the games at fan zones across the regions. Millions of Uzbeks watched the matches on television and online.
The President also said he had followed the decisive games with great interest.
“In some games, you kept not only your opponents but also us on the edge of our seats,” he said.
The head of state separately highlighted the match against defending Olympic champions India. He recalled that at one point Nodirbek Yakubboev faced a difficult position against Nihal Sarin.
“But you fought bravely until the end. Your exceptionally resourceful tactical moves completely changed the situation and brought our team a decisive victory,” the President said.
After defeating India, Uzbekistan moved into sole first place in the standings. The Uzbek team then defeated China 3-1 and also finished ahead of the United States, the world’s top-ranked team and six-time Olympic champions.
The President noted that Nodirbek Abdusattorov went through the entire tournament undefeated and won the gold medal on the first board. He separately highlighted Abdusattorov’s victory over American Fabiano Caruana in a difficult endgame.
“That in itself is already a great achievement!” the President said.
Addressing Javokhir Sindarov, the President recalled his historic victory at the Candidates Tournament several months earlier. At the Olympiad, Sindarov again demonstrated composure and consistency, standing his ground against strong opponents.
“Now you have another great goal — the fight for the world crown. Today, behind you stand not only your teammates and coaches, but also nearly 40 million people of Uzbekistan. We believe in you!” the head of state said.
Mukhyddin Madaminov, who was competing in a major tournament for the first time, defeated Ukraine’s Roman Dekhtyarov with the black pieces on the decisive day and secured the point the team needed to win the gold medal. The country’s leader noted that his determination to win and his achievements had won the hearts of fans.
Shamsiddin Vokhidov also made a valuable contribution to the overall result. Playing with the black pieces against reigning world champion Gukesh, he competed on equal terms with his opponent and demonstrated his potential.
“There is hard work and a tremendous contribution from every member of the team in this gold medal,” the President said.
The head of state expressed confidence that books would be written and films made about the chess players and that their style of play would enter textbooks.
The President noted that Uzbekistan was represented at the Olympiad by six national teams in total, among men and women. The results and playing style of all the teams attracted interest from the global chess community.
Uzbekistan’s second men’s team secured a major victory over the Netherlands, ranked sixth in the world. The head of state also highlighted this as an important achievement.
Seventeen-year-old Asrorjon Omanov, who competed for the third team, won seven of his eight games. His result demonstrated the potential of the talented chess players growing up in Uzbekistan.
“We can confidently say that we have not just two or three chess players, but an entire strong generation,” the President said, expressing confidence that this generation and the young players following it would achieve many more successes in world chess.
The head of state noted that Uzbekistan’s women’s teams also demonstrated great determination and resilience at the Olympiad. The first team won seven of its 11 rounds and competed on equal terms with representatives of the world’s leading chess nations.
The President particularly noted the efforts of Afruza Khamdamova, Gulrukhbegim Tokhirjonova, Umida Omonova, Nilufar Imomkuzieva, Guldona Karimova and other female chess players.
“I am confident that Uzbek women chess players will certainly rise to the top step of the Olympic podium,” the President said.
At the third FIDE Para-Chess Olympiad, held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan’s team won a bronze medal for the first time. Selbi Kakishova scored six points in seven games and won a silver medal on her board.
Abdulaziz Bakhodirov won a bronze medal in the individual standings, while Akhadkhon Kimsanbaev went undefeated. The President separately expressed his gratitude to each of the para-chess players.
“With your courage, intelligence, willpower and dedication, you have set an excellent example and become a source of inspiration for thousands of people,” the head of state said.
The President noted that behind every champion are their parents, first mentor, coaches and an entire team that supported them. Therefore, the victory is also a result of their work.
The head of state separately addressed Rustam Kasimdjanov. It was noted that his world championship title marked the beginning of a new era in Uzbek chess, while his accumulated experience is now being passed on to a new generation.
“The greatest victory for a mentor is the success of his students, who rise to even greater heights!” the President said, emphasizing that generational continuity is clearly visible in Uzbek chess today.
The Chess Federation of Uzbekistan was recognized by FIDE as the “Best Federation.” Rustam Kasimdjanov was elected honorary FIDE vice president, while Khulkar Tokhirjonova became FIDE Regional President for Central Asia.
The head of state noted that these recognitions were another indication of Uzbekistan’s growing reputation in the world as a chess power.
Four years ago, in the Indian city of Chennai, Uzbekistan’s team became chess Olympiad champions for the first time. In 2024, the team finished third in Budapest, and now it has won the gold medal again in Samarkand.
“These results are not accidental. This is a school, this is a system, this is a new level of Uzbek chess,” the President said.
The head of state noted that Uzbekistan had long had many talented chess players, but lacked a system capable of supporting and bringing them together. Following the adoption of a resolution in 2018, a system for teaching chess in schools, training coaches and developing clubs was established.
Five years ago, the country set the goal of entering the top 10 strongest countries in the FIDE rankings.
“Our noble goal has already become a reality, and has even exceeded the target we set,” the head of state said, emphasizing that the result was based on a long-term strategy and consistent work.
Over the past 10 years, 17 Uzbek chess players have received the title of international grandmaster, five of them women. The President noted that the champions are still very young, while hundreds and thousands of talented children are growing up behind them.
“We will turn New Uzbekistan not only into a country of Olympic champions, but also into a global center of chess,” the President said, outlining the next goal.
The head of state noted that Uzbekistan has champions who have already achieved high results, gained experience and can serve as examples for young people.
Millions of children across the country followed every victory and every move by the Uzbek chess players at the Olympiad. The President expressed confidence that, inspired by their success, thousands more young people had taken up chess.
“Now you are not simply athletes. For the youth of New Uzbekistan, you are symbols of intelligence, knowledge, patience, discipline and belief in victory,” the head of state told the champions.
In this regard, it was emphasized that talented children should be identified in every region, district and mahalla in a timely manner, provided with strong mentors and given opportunities to regularly participate in international tournaments. A separate system for developing women’s chess and para-chess will be established.
The President said he had decided to reward the winners and medalists of the chess and para-chess Olympiads, as well as their coaches. Under the decision, champions Nodirbek Abdusattorov, Javokhir Sindarov, Nodirbek Yakubboev, Mukhyddin Madaminov and Shamsiddin Vokhidov will receive homes and cars.
Para-chess players Akhadkhon Kimsanbaev, Marcel Shoyusupov, Sardorbek Mamaradjabov, Selbi Kakishova and Sirojiddin Zainiddinov will also receive homes and cars. Head coaches of the national teams Rustam Kasimdjanov and Samandar Shermukhamadov will receive cars.
Each chess player who became an Olympic champion will receive a cash prize of US$200,000, while their coaches will receive US$50,000 each. Each para-chess player who won a bronze medal will receive US$50,000, while their coaches will receive US$12,500 each.
“Today, our chess and para-chess players will get behind the wheels of new cars and enter their new homes,” the head of state said.
Thus, the work of the winners and medalists is receiving due recognition.
The day before, the President signed a decree awarding state honors to a group of chess players, their mentors and industry representatives for their contribution to enhancing the reputation of Uzbekistan, as well as for skill and courage. The presentation ceremony took place during the meeting.
“May these awards be not only recognition of your victory today, but also a symbol of great trust in you and your future achievements at even greater heights,” the head of state said.
The country’s leader expressed gratitude to the athletes’ parents, mentors and coaches, as well as to the staff of the Chess Federation of Uzbekistan.
“God willing, may our victories continue! Always be healthy and prosperous, my dear children!” the President said at the end of the meeting.
