Chess Olympiad 2026

Nodirbek Abdusattorov and Javokhir Sindarov returned home as heroes following their first- and second-place finishes at the Tata Steel Chess tournament in Wijk aan Zee. Dressed in traditional Uzbek attire, they were greeted with bouquets, hugs, and media attention at Tashkent International Airport. The warm reception underscores Uzbekistan's growing passion for chess, rivaling India's own enthusiasm for the game.