The International Chess Federation (FIDE) has appointed Mohammed Al Mudahka, president of the Qatar Chess Association (QCA), to oversee the 46th World Chess Olympiad in Uzbekistan. The event is set for September 10 to 24, 2026, in Samarkand, recognizing Al Mudahka's contributions to international chess and Qatar's recent successful hosting of the world championship. Al Mudahka expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him by the global chess community.
The announcement highlights Al Mudahka's dual role as QCA president and FIDE's director of international relations. FIDE's decision comes after Qatar hosted the world chess championship in December 2025, an event that earned praise from the federation and participants for its organization and impact.
The 46th World Chess Olympiad will take place in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, a city currently preparing intensively for the major tournament. This biennial competition brings together national teams from around the world to compete in both open and women's sections.
Al Mudahka voiced his enthusiasm, stating his 'great pleasure at being assigned to oversee one of the most important global chess events' and his gratitude for the 'great confidence placed in him by the international chess community.' He commended FIDE's leadership under president Arkady Dvorkovich for efforts to 'elevate the game at all levels, develop its competitions, and expand its reach to developing countries.'
Looking ahead, Al Mudahka emphasized a strategy to advance chess in Asia, with Uzbekistan's hosting as a key part of supporting the global chess movement. He announced that the Qatari national team will participate, noting that such involvement is 'of great importance in various aspects' and helps 'raise the level of the players and their acquisition of more international experience.'
Al Mudahka also underscored chess's broader value, describing it as a 'global game that encourages integrity, inclusion, and mutual respect,' fostering tolerance among nations.