Inaugural FIDE Excellence Awards celebrate the people and achievements shaping chess worldwide
The inaugural FIDE Excellence Awards were presented in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, bringing together the global chess community to celebrate outstanding achievements both on and off the board during the 2024–2026 Olympiad cycle. Held alongside the 46th FIDE Chess Olympiad, the ceremony honoured leading players, teams, tournaments, federations, creators and initiatives whose work has contributed to the development and global reach of chess. Established in 2026 as a biennial programme, the FIDE Excellence Awards cover achievements from September 2024 to August 2026. Following an open nomination process, ten nominees in each of the 11 categories were shortlisted by the FIDE Excellence Awards Jury before the final recipients were determined by the FIDE Excellence Awards Panel. The evening began with welcoming remarks from Odil Abdurakhmanov, representative of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan for Sports, who highlighted Uzbekistan’s role as a crossroads of cultures and civilizations and spoke about chess as something that reaches far beyond sporting competition – a universal language capable of bringing people together. Viswanathan Anand then welcomed the guests and thanked the Government of Uzbekistan for its hospitality and for hosting the event in Samarkand. Reflecting on the purpose of the awards, Anand stressed that the success of chess is built not only by its champions, but by a much wider community. “Behind every great player, there are people who supported them, directly or indirectly: federations, coaches, arbiters, organizers, sponsors, promoters, photographers, professionals from many backgrounds who use chess as a tool to help people grow and become better,” Anand said. “Tonight is about recognizing them and their efforts. The Excellence Awards are an opportunity to bring some of those achievements into the spotlight and simply say thank you. Thank you for being there when it mattered, thank you for providing support when it was important, and for seeing an opportunity that others did not,” he added. Anand concluded by congratulating all nominees and recipients and extending FIDE’s gratitude to everyone contributing to the game, whether recognised during the ceremony or not. Excellence on and around the board The awards programme in Samarkand celebrated achievements across different areas of the chess world, from emerging talent and remarkable sporting returns to team success, inclusion, content creation, tournaments and social initiatives. Yağız Kaan Erdoğmuş was named Best Breakthrough (Rookie of the Year), recognising the extraordinary rise of one of the world’s leading young talents. Levon Aronian received the Best Comeback award, following another remarkable chapter in his long career at the highest level. The Best Team award went to India’s Open and Women’s National Teams, recognising an exceptional period for Indian chess, highlighted by the historic double gold at the 2024 Chess Olympiad in Budapest and a series of major international successes. Łukasz Nowak was named Best Chess Player with a Disability, with Łukasz Turlej accepting the award on his behalf. Remembering Daniel Naroditsky A particularly meaningful moment of the evening came with the presentation of the Daniel Naroditsky Best Creator Award. The category carries the name of the late American grandmaster, educator, commentator and content creator Daniel Naroditsky, honouring his exceptional ability to share chess knowledge and bring the game closer to audiences around the world. Before announcing the recipient, Arkady Dvorkovich paid tribute to Naroditsky and his contribution to the chess community. “He made an amazing contribution to promoting chess to younger generations and to everyone who loved the spirit of chess. He worked endlessly, and he was the kind of person who was loved by everyone.” Dvorkovich described preserving Naroditsky’s legacy as something carrying both institutional and personal significance before announcing ChessBase India as the first recipient of the Daniel Naroditsky Best Creator Award. As part of the recognition, the winner also receives a free spot at the next Naroditsky Memorial in Charlotte, further connecting the award with the tournament established to celebrate Naroditsky’s life and legacy. Excellence beyond the board The ceremony continued by recognising tournaments, organisations and initiatives whose impact extends across the international chess community. The Qatar Masters Open received first place in the Best Tournament (Open) category, followed by the Grenke Freestyle Chess Open in second place and the Sharjah Masters in third. In the Best Tournament (Round Robin) category, Norway Chess took first place, with the Sinquefield Cup second and the Cairns Cup third. Among the developments recognised at Norway Chess was the establishment of its women’s tournament with an equal prize fund. In the Best Federation category, the Uzbekistan Chess Federation received first place, with the Kazakhstan Chess Federation taking second and the All India Chess Federation third. The award recognised the work of national federations in developing chess, supporting players and strengthening the game at both grassroots and elite levels. The awards also celebrated projects using chess to create a broader social impact. Chess in Schools and Communities received first place for Best Chess Initiative, followed by Chess for Freedom in second and The Gift of Chess in third. Special recognition The evening also included special recognition for the Bundesliga, honouring one of the world’s most established and prestigious national chess leagues. The FIDE America Social Initiatives Program 2025 was also recognised for its work across the continent. Implemented through the CCA Diversity Commission, the programme supported 14 completed initiatives across 11 countries, demonstrating how chess can be used to promote inclusion and social engagement in different communities. The Best Chess Player (Female) and Best Chess Player (Male) awards will be presented separately during the Closing Ceremony of the 46th FIDE Chess Olympiad, completing the inaugural FIDE Excellence Awards programme. With the final awards of the Gala presented, the inaugural FIDE Excellence Awards evening came to a close in Samarkand, celebrating the players, teams, organisers, creators, federations and initiatives whose achievements and contributions continue to shape chess around the world. Written by Angelika Valkova Photos: KNZO Photography
DGT hosts two e-Board Operator Seminars at 46th FIDE Chess Olympiad in Samarkand
DGT, the leading designer, developer, manufacturer, and distributor of chess-related products, held two seminars alongside the 46th FIDE Chess Olympiad in Samarkand. Led by Frans Peeters, the seminars brought together 46 participants from 33 countries and territories. Each session took place over two mornings, during which attendees had the opportunity to learn how to set up and run a chess tournament using DGT e-Boards and LiveChess. Participants also gained hands-on experience with the equipment, putting their newly acquired knowledge into practice. The attendees were highly eager to learn and had many questions for the instructor, Frans Peeters. The strong interest in DGT technology from participants worldwide was evident throughout the sessions. At the end of the seminar, each participant received a gift bag containing various DGT merchandise items and a certificate recognising them as a DGT e-Board Operator. The seminars concluded successfully, equipping a new group of experts with the tools to bring chess tournaments to life online. The full list of participants can be found HERE.
Timur Turlov elected President of FIDE
Timur Turlov, President of the Kazakhstan Chess Federation, was elected President of the International Chess Federation (FIDE). The elections were held on 26 September at the FIDE General Assembly, alongside the 46th Chess Olympiad, in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. Turlov won in the second round, with 110 votes. At 38, he becomes the second youngest FIDE President ever elected. Delegates representing 196 national chess federations took part in the election, with three candidates competing in the race. In the first round, Turlov received 96 votes, Wadim Rosenstein (Germany) received 76 votes, and Jan Henric Buettner (Germany) received 20 votes. In total, 192 votes were cast. In the second round, which followed two hours later, Turlov won by a vote of 110 to 85 (196 votes in total), becoming the eighth President of FIDE. He succeeded Arkady Dvorkovich, who served two terms as President, from 2018 to 2026. “We are all one family, and we will continue working as one. This is a great responsibility and a vote for a better future of our sport,” Timur Turlov said following the result. “I am grateful to everyone who supported my campaign and to everyone who took part in this election. We may have different opinions, but we all share one belief – that chess is important and that we can do much more to develop it around the world by making our Member Federations stronger and more independent,” he added. “I look forward to moving chess forward and giving the game the spotlight it deserves,” Turlov concluded. In his congratulations to Timur Turlov, former FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich wished him success in his work. “Timur has already done a great deal for chess, and I am sure he will do even more now as FIDE President. He and his team have the energy, a clear plan, and resources to deliver and this election result shows Timur has significant backing. We are all one family, and we all share the same goal – for chess to be bigger, better and stronger in the world,” Dvorkovich said. Abdulla Aripov, Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, host of both the 46th FIDE Olympiad and the FIDE Congress, greeted those attending and noted the country’s commitment to promoting chess and friendship in the world. Biography: Timur Turlov Timur Turlov (born on 13 November 1987) is an economist and serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Freedom Holding Corp., an international financial services group listed on the NASDAQ Stock Exchange, with a capitalisation of nearly $11 billion. Since January 2023, he has served as President of the Kazakhstan Chess Federation. Turlov is also the founding President of the International School Chess Federation (ISCF), established in September 2024. Playing chess since childhood, Turlov – a father of six – has supported chess tournaments in Kazakhstan and abroad. Over three years, Freedom Holding Corp. allocated approximately $30 million to the development of chess in Kazakhstan and supported the staging of more than 20 major international FIDE tournaments, becoming one of the largest private sponsors of the game worldwide. In September 2024, together with FIDE, Turlov initiated the founding of the International School Chess Federation and serves as its President. With a strong belief in the value of education and the role of chess in personal and professional development, the ISCF works with schools, educational organisations, NGOs and national federations to expand chess in education and promote the game among young people worldwide. He chairs the Turkic Chess Association, which brings together the national chess federations of Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Türkiye and Uzbekistan. Under the Association’s auspices, the inaugural Turkic Countries Team Chess Championship was held in Astana in 2026. With a deep connection to chess tradition and a strong belief in innovation, Timur Turlov advocates the use of digital solutions to help FIDE and national federations advance modern, transparent and sustainable governance, improve services and provide more effective support for players and chess communities around the world.
Olympiad Day 9: Uzbekistan takes a giant step towards gold
India stays in the hunt, while a surprise victory by Uzbekistan’s second team shakes up the race With just two rounds remaining, the race at the top has become increasingly unpredictable. Uzbekistan took a major step towards gold by defeating the United States, while India kept its hopes alive with a crucial victory over Germany, led by Gukesh’s win on board four. France and China shared all four points, while Uzbekistan’s second team produced the biggest surprise of the day with a crushing 3.5–0.5 victory over sixth-seeded Netherlands. Armenia, Hungary, Spain and Ukraine also picked up important wins to remain in the mix, setting up a fascinating final two rounds in which almost anything can still happen. In the Women’s section, China strengthened their grip on first place with a 3-1 victory over Armenia, led by key wins from Lu Miaoyi and Zhu Jiner, while India moved into the medal zone by defeating hosts Uzbekistan 3-1, with Divya Deshmukh and Vantika Agrawal both remaining undefeated. Full results 46th Chess Olympiad Let’s take a closer look at the action from the playing hall. Ceremonial moves add a touch of showmanship One of this afternoon’s ceremonial moves came with a twist. Simon Belanger, the internationally renowned chess content creator known for his outstanding Magnus Carlsen impressions, opened the game for Aksel Bu Kvaløy, board four of the Norway – Philippines match. His choice of 1.f3, delivered alongside his trademark Carlsen impression, was greeted with laughter and a round of applause from those watching. The ceremonial moves continued with José Antonio Carrillo, President of the Confederation of Chess for the Americas, making the first move for Cuba’s second board in their match against Poland. Alisher Muminov, founder of the “Sky Chess” Academy, then opened the game for Gulrukhbegim Tokhirjonova in her match against Divya Deshmukh in the Uzbekistan–India encounter. Finally, the action moved to one of the day’s most important matches, Uzbekistan versus the United States. Saydali Yuldashev, Manager of the Uzbekistan Men’s National Chess Team, made the ceremonial first move for Nodirbek Abdusattorov, choosing the popular 1.b3. Open section Uzbekistan takes a giant step towards gold Each day that goes by makes it more difficult to predict who will ultimately take the gold. Yesterday, Germany defeated Uzbekistan, putting themselves firmly into contention, but today the picture changed dramatically. India overcame Germany, while Uzbekistan bounced back, defeating the United States and taking a major step towards the top of the standings. What will happen tomorrow? It is anyone’s guess, but Uzbekistan’s position is looking increasingly strong. The first game to finish was on board four, where Aronian and Madaminov played out an absolutely level game. Madaminov defended with impressive simplicity against the legendary former Armenian, neutralising any danger and securing the draw. The other three games went all the way to the limit. Fabiano Caruana appeared to have the draw firmly in hand but decided against exchanging a pair of rooks, allowing the game to enter a double-rook endgame against Nodirbek Abdusattorov. The Uzbek star, still undefeated with 7/9, eventually converted his chances. At this rate, he is firmly in contention for the individual gold medal on board one. On board two, Wesley So handed Javokhir Sindarov his first defeat of the Olympiad after outplaying him in a fine technical game. Everything came down to the final game between Nodirbek Yakubboev and Hans Niemann. In a difficult position, the American sacrificed a piece for three pawns, but the compensation proved insufficient. Yakubboev held on to win, completing another victory for the Uzbek team. Once again, the combined force of the two Nodirbeks had delivered for Uzbekistan. Gukesh keeps India’s gold hopes alive The other key match of the day, between Germany and India, turned out very differently. Trailing by one match point, India needed a victory to keep their gold-medal hopes alive. The first three boards all ended in draws after more or less accurate play, but on board four, Gukesh D came under serious pressure against Alexander Donchenko. However, with time running short, Donchenko lost his way in the tactical complications, allowing the World Champion to turn the tables and score a decisive victory. It was a crucial point for India’s team ambitions and another important result for Gukesh’s individual medal campaign: he remains undefeated on 7.5/9. After the game, Gukesh kindly accepted our request to analyse the encounter for the fans, taking the time to explain the key moments and ideas from the game. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1HDYvk42C64 Uzbekistan’s second team stuns the Netherlands France and China drew all four games, although Wei Yi was fortunate to escape with a draw in a difficult position. The result keeps both teams’ medal hopes alive, but the biggest surprise of the afternoon came from Uzbekistan’s second team, which produced a stunning 3.5–0.5 victory over sixth-seeded Netherlands. The result leaves the strong Dutch team with little room to manoeuvre in the medal race with just two rounds remaining. Seeded 30th, Uzbekistan’s second team has been one of the revelations of the Olympiad. And with the host nation’s third team also performing exceptionally well, the lower-seeded Uzbek side could yet play a decisive role in shaping the final standings over the last two rounds. Armenia, Hungary, Spain and Ukraine keep their hopes alive Other important results saw Armenia prevail over Azerbaijan 2.5–1.5, while Hungary defeated Austria 3–1 to move back into contention after a wobbly middle section of the tournament. Spain and Ukraine also kept their outside chances of a top-five finish alive, beating the Czech Republic 3–1 and Georgia 2.5–1.5 respectively. Women’s Section China extends its lead China extended its lead in the standings with a convincing 3-1 victory over Armenia. They now sit two full match points clear of India, Kazakhstan and Mongolia, with only India boasting a comparable tiebreak. After solid draws on boards two and four, Lu Miaoyi once again demonstrated her tactical skills, scoring the key win for China. Tactic of the day Lu Miaoyi – Elina Danielian White had an overwhelming
ChessMom returns in Samarkand: Supporting mothers on and off the board
The ChessMom Project has doubled in size since its debut in Budapest, giving 12 players the opportunity to compete at the 2026 Chess Olympiad while travelling with their young children and caregivers. When the 46th Chess Olympiad got underway in Samarkand, more than 3,000 players, captains and officials from around the world came together for one of the biggest events worldwide. After team Angola was finally able to join for the third round, the confirmed official numbers are outstanding: 205 open and 189 women teams. A record number of teams and the biggest FIDE Chess Olympiad in history! Among them are a group of players whose challenge extends beyond the chessboard: they are competing at the highest level while also caring for very young children. An Olympiad is an intense three-week experience. Players spend long hours preparing, competing and recovering between rounds, often travelling thousands of kilometres from home. For a mother with a baby or toddler, those demands add another layer of organisation to an already rigorous professional environment. The ChessMom Project is designed to remove at least one of those barriers: the need to choose between being present for one’s child and representing one’s country on the international chess stage. Launched as a pilot initiative at the 2024 Chess Olympiad in Budapest, ChessMom was created to address a practical but often overlooked challenge facing professional women chess players: how to continue competing internationally after becoming a mother. “It’s a huge challenge for me to be a mother and at the same time continue competing in chess events. Playing an Olympiad is very important for me: it’s not easy but it can be done thanks to the support of programs such as ChessMom,” said WIM Zenia Corrales, from Mexico. The principle behind the project is straightforward. FIDE provides financial support towards the travel costs of a caregiver accompanying the player and her child, and the expansion has also been visible in the number of beneficiaries. The response to the pilot was overwhelmingly positive. Additionally, for Samarkand 2026, the age limit was extended to children under two, recognising that the practical challenges of combining elite competition and childcare do not disappear after a baby’s first birthday. “The ChessMom project has allowed me to use my time more wisely and to train more effectively. I have realised that becoming a mother doesn’t mean giving up my dreams as a chess player.” – WIM Bayarmaa Bayarjargal (Mongolia) Twelve players from different parts of the world have been selected: GM Marie Sebag (France) GM Elisabeth Pähtz (Germany) WIM Elisabeth Hapala (Austria) WIM Bayarmaa Bayarjargal (Mongolia) WGM Beatriz Irene Franco Valencia (Colombia) WIM Zenia Corrales Jiménez (Mexico) WFM Razan Alshaeby (Jordan) WFM Patricia Evarista Castillo Peña (Dominican Republic) Robyn Julian Klaasen (South Africa) WCM Karen Julissa Figueroa Figueroa (Barbados) WFM Luzia Fernandes Pires (Angola) WIM Onkemetse Linda Francis (Botswana) For the players themselves, the experience is about much more than having a caregiver nearby. It is about being able to remain part of the international chess community during an important stage of both their sporting and personal lives. “It’s very difficult to travel with a baby and keep the motivation to play chess. Motherhood has changed my view on chess in a way – before, when I would lose a game, I would be very upset and now it’s not so important. Even so, when I lose, it’s still not easy to go to sleep!” said GM Marie Sebag (France). Photo: Rafal Oleksiewicz/FIDE The program is very important to mothers: ten years ago, I couldn’t play the Baku Olympiad because my first baby was only three months old,” she added. At the end of the day, ChessMom is built around a simple idea: the chessboard and family life should not have to be competing priorities – motherhood does not have to mark the end of a professional chess journey. One of the mothers, WIM Elisabeth Hapala, from Austria, is married to GM Fernando Peralta, representing Argentina, and both of them are participating in the Olympiad! There is also an important message for the generations coming through behind them. The presence of mothers with their children at one of the world’s largest sporting events demonstrates that a professional chess career does not necessarily have to follow a single path – and that becoming a parent does not have to mean stepping away from elite competition. Written by IM Michael Rahal, FIDE Press Officer (Samarkand)
Social Chess Blitz Talks in Samarkand: Stories of freedom, purpose and connection
How can 64 squares become a space for freedom, rehabilitation, communication and human connection? This question was at the heart of the Social Chess Blitz Talks, a new format presented in Samarkand by the FIDE Social Commission. Hosted by Maria Tamkovich, Secretary of the FIDE Social Commission, the session brought together six speakers for a series of short, personal talks highlighting the impact chess can have far beyond competition. From prisons and refugee camps to rehabilitation centres and classrooms, the speakers shared stories of people finding connection, purpose and agency through the game. The event opened with André Vögtlin, Chair of the FIDE Social Commission, who introduced the experimental “Blitz Talk” format: short, focused presentations inspired by the idea of delivering one meaningful message in just a few minutes. The official program described the session as an opportunity to hear “real human stories of transformation,” rather than statistics. Sixty-four squares of freedom In his own talk, Vögtlin explored an apparent contradiction: a chessboard is one of the most restricted spaces imaginable – just 64 squares, fixed rules and clear boundaries – yet within those boundaries people can experience a powerful sense of freedom. He recalled a participant in a prison chess program who, when asked what chess had changed for him, responded not simply that chess made him feel free, but: “I’m freedom, freedom itself.” Vögtlin connected this experience with FIDE Social Commission projects involving prisoners, refugees, seniors and other groups facing different forms of isolation. On the chessboard, he argued, circumstances may remain unchanged, but a person still has the possibility to choose, think independently and take responsibility for a decision. “There is always a move to make” Dana Reizniece, Acting Chair of the FIDE Management Board, continued with stories drawn from social chess initiatives around the world. She recalled bringing chess into a prison in Latvia, where an initially skeptical atmosphere changed once the games began: jokes and noise gave way to concentration, respect and eventually trust. Prison officers who once viewed the initiative cautiously later found themselves supporting the players and rooting for their teams. Reizniece also spoke about working with children with autism, seniors and refugees. She recalled her own visit to the Kakuma refugee camp in Kenya and reflected on how it changed her understanding of hardship and opportunity. For her, the strength of social chess lies not in claiming that the game can magically solve difficult circumstances, but in giving people a space in which they can participate, connect and make their own decisions. “Professional chess touches the brain, but social chess touches the heart and the soul.” She concluded with a simple message: “There is always a move to make.” From personal success to purpose Dr. Das Mukesh, FIDE Social Commission Ambassador and former Executive Director of Indian Oil Corporation, focused on the relationship between a positive mindset and a purposeful one. Drawing on his work with chess programs in Indian prisons, he shared the story of a prisoner serving a life sentence whose involvement with chess developed into competitive achievements and coaching. For Mukesh, the story illustrated how personal transformation can develop further into contribution to others. He presented his concept of moving from “me” to “purpose”: from receiving from society and pursuing individual success toward giving back and finding meaning in the success of others. His central message was that contribution does not have to wait until someone has achieved ideal circumstances. At every stage of life, he argued, there is an opportunity to help another person — whether through a small act, community work or eventually building initiatives capable of wider impact. When the chessboard becomes a language Prabitha Urwyler, FIDE Social Commission Councilor, Treasurer of the European Chess Union and Board member of the Swiss Chess Federation, shared an experience from a social rehabilitation centre in Bulgaria. There she saw therapists using chess not primarily to teach the game, but to help people experiencing psychological crises communicate situations they struggled to express in words. A position on the board could become a representation of a real-life problem: If a piece is under threat, what can it do? Move away? Protect itself? Find another possibility? Ask for help? The same questions could then be transferred to life. “What if the value of chess is sometimes not in learning to play chess at all?” For Urwyler, the experience transformed the chessboard into a language – a physical space where a difficult situation could be placed in front of someone, examined and changed. She left the audience with a question: “What else can these 64 squares become?” Chess as a social bridge Magnus Wolfe Murray, founder and Executive Director of Movement in Refuge, turned the discussion toward displacement, migration and young people. Drawing on his experiences with refugee communities, he contrasted the isolation faced by displaced children with another kind of isolation experienced by some young people in more stable societies. Their circumstances may be radically different, he stressed, but both can lack meaningful contact with people outside their immediate worlds. Chess, he suggested, offers an unusual bridge: it requires little equipment, can cross language barriers and allows two people from completely different circumstances to meet as equals across the same board. “This is not about charity on one side and not on the other. It’s two equals, two opponents, two people who matter to each other.” He stressed that chess cannot solve the global migration crisis, but it can create individual connections – and those connections can matter. The suitcase that carried a life The final Blitz Talk came from Dijana Dengler, Head of Chess at Overseas Family School in Singapore, whose story began with a suitcase. As a young chess player living in Sarajevo, she packed for what she believed would be a four-day tournament: clothes, shoes, two chess books and a chessboard. Then war broke out, and she could not return home. Her suitcase took her to Germany, where she did not speak the language and knew no
Olympiad Day 8: Germany shake up the race at the top
The Svanes lead a stunning 2.5–1.5 victory over Uzbekistan as USA, China and the chasing pack close in with three rounds to go. Germany produced the result of the day in the Open section, defeating leaders Uzbekistan 2.5–1.5 to throw the race wide open with just three rounds remaining. The Svane brothers delivered the decisive blows on boards three and four, while Javokhir Sindarov continued his unbeaten run with another victory In the Women’s section, China moved into the sole lead after Kazakhstan and India drew 2–2, with Armenia, Mongolia and Uzbekistan all keeping themselves firmly in contention. Let’s take a closer look at the action from the playing hall. Ceremonial moves and Presidential debate Three ceremonial moves got the eighth round underway in Samarkand. Kirsan Ilyumzhinov, FIDE President from 1995 to 2018 and an honorary citizen of Samarkand, opened play on board one of the Germany – Uzbekistan match, making the ceremonial first move for Vincent Keymer. Hisham Al Taher, General Secretary of the Asian Chess Federation, replied on behalf of Nodirbek Abdusattorov. The action then moved to the Women’s section, where Benard Wanjala, President of the African Chess Confederation, made the opening move on table 22 for the South African team. At the same time, the EXPO area hosted a different kind of chess event: the FIDE Presidential Debate Q&A. Timur Turlov and Jan Henric Buettner introduced themselves before taking questions from journalists for a full hour, covering a wide range of topics related to the future of FIDE and chess. The third candidate, Wadim Rosenstein, was invited but did not take part in the session. Open section Germany stun Uzbekistan at the top Just when it seemed Uzbekistan were beginning to pull away from the field, Germany produced a stunning 2.5–1.5 victory this afternoon, bringing the leading teams closer together and reopening the race at the top of the standings. The Svane brothers were the heroes for Germany, winning on boards three and four against Nodirbek Yakubboev and Shamsiddin Vokhidov respectively. Their two victories more than compensated for Matthias Bluebaum’s defeat on board two against Javokhir Sindarov, who continued his remarkable unbeaten run with 5.5/7. The final game to finish was on board one, where Nodirbek Abdusattorov had to draw on all his defensive resources to hold Vincent Keymer with the black pieces. Frederik Svane later analysed his victory over Yakubboev in the interview area. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LW5alSr8K_s Uzbekistan’s board-five player Mukhiddin Madaminov followed the action closely from the spectators’ area, keeping a watchful eye on his teammates. Germany captain Jan Gustafsson, meanwhile, remained completely unflustered throughout the match, seemingly more absorbed in the pages of his book than the drama unfolding on the boards. India drops more points, China makes a comeback India were unable to secure the important victory they needed against Azerbaijan, as all four games ended in solid draws. Vidit returned to the lineup on board four, replacing Nihal Sarin after five rounds on the bench. Gukesh, playing on board three, was the only Indian player to create a serious winning chance, but a couple of inaccuracies, combined with excellent defensive technique from his opponent Muradli, allowed the game to finish in a draw. China, meanwhile, desperately needed a win after yesterday’s defeat to get back into the leading pack but faced a difficult opponent in Poland. Ding Liren quickly neutralised Poland’s top player, Jan-Krzysztof Duda, agreeing to a draw on board one. The games on boards three and four also ended in solid draws after around four hours, leaving China with little room for maneuver. The only decisive result was recorded on board two, where Wei Yi (undefeated on 5.5/7) worked his magic again. Sacrifice of the day: Fire on the board Szymon Gumularz – Wei Yi Black is already an exchange up and, more importantly, has two extremely dangerous passed pawns deep in the promotion zone. There are several straightforward ways to win, but Wei Yi chooses the most spectacular 32…Qxf3!!, sacrificing his queen to clear the way for the h2-pawn to promote. After 33.Bxf3 Bxf3 34.Kf2 Rf8!, Black’s threats became impossible to parry. Szymon Gumularz resigned after 35.e4 Bd1+ as 36…h1=Q is unavoidable. Netherlands and Armenia share the points The Netherlands and Armenia drew their match 2–2, missing an opportunity to pick up an extra match point and keep pace with the leaders. Jorden van Foreest was on the winning side of a complicated battle against Robert Hovhannisyan, handing the Armenian his first defeat of the tournament. Shant Sargsyan restored the balance for Armenia by defeating Loek van Wely. After the match, Van Foreest joined Charlize van Zyl in the interviews area, where he shared his thoughts on the match and the Netherlands’ performance. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ewwGzNPEjhA USA close the gap with crushing victory Taking full advantage of the results at the top, the United States of America closed the gap with a convincing 3.5–0.5 victory over a strong Serbian team. With just three rounds remaining, the USA are once again firmly in the mix. On board one, Fabiano Caruana scored his third win of the tournament with a neat tactical blow against Alexey Sarana, while remaining undefeated. Tactic of the day Fabiano Caruana – Alexey Sarana The position, arising from a Najdorf Sicilian with opposite-side castling, is a classic attacking scenario. White has sacrificed the g-pawn, but in return has an open g-file to work with, while Black’s queen is awkwardly placed on h7. Caruana exploited both factors with the powerful 24.Rxg7!. Black has no satisfactory response. In the game, Sarana took the rook with 24…Kxg7. Alternatively, 24…Qxg7 25.Rg1 Qxg1 26.Bxg1 leaves White’s queen heading towards h6 with decisive consequences. After 24…Kxg7 25.Bf5, Black’s queen is trapped, and Caruana went on to convert his material advantage without difficulty. One particularly nice variation is 25…Qh8 26.Qg2+ Kf6 27.Qg5#, finishing the game immediately. Women’s Section China takes the lead as Kazakhstan and India draw The match of the day between Kazakhstan and India ended in a 2–2 draw, with Savitha extending her remarkable run
Every Lesson Counts: FIDE Summit in Samarkand puts chess education at the heart of global development
Policymakers, educators, researchers, chess leaders and social innovators from around the world gathered in Samarkand for the FIDE Summit on Chess in Education, one of the flagship events of the 2026 FIDE Year of Chess in Education. Held during the 46th FIDE Chess Olympiad and Congress, the Summit brought together experiences from countries at very different stages of integrating chess into education – from established nationwide programmes to emerging initiatives – around one central idea: chess can be much more than a competitive sport. Used effectively, it can become an accessible educational tool for developing concentration, critical thinking, decision-making, creativity and other skills that extend well beyond the chessboard. The opening segment of the Summit featured addresses by FIDE Interim President Viswanathan Anand, Deputy Minister of Preschool and School Education of the Republic of Uzbekistan Farkhod Bokiyev, and President of the International School Chess Federation Timur Turlov. Chess as a tool for learning Drawing on his experience with chess education programmes in India, Anand recalled an initiative launched around 25 years ago to introduce chess in schools and study its impact on children. After several years, feedback from teachers suggested that students exposed to chess had become more confident when approaching complex subjects such as mathematics and science. Anand also recalled being struck by the confidence and sophisticated vocabulary of young children participating in the programme. For the five-time World Champion, however, the value of chess education is not limited to measurable academic outcomes. “We shouldn’t lose track of the fact that playing chess is fun,” Anand said. “You can’t take a move back. You have to make a decision. You have to choose a move. You have to critically evaluate yourself. All these skills are taught in a pleasant, fun way through chess,” he said Anand also stressed that there can be no single model for Chess in Education. Drawing on India’s experience, where individual states have their own education policies, he argued that programmes must be adapted to local circumstances while countries continue learning from one another. Uzbekistan: investing in chess means investing in human capital Representing the host country, Farkhod Bokiyev presented Uzbekistan’s efforts to develop chess across preschool and school education. According to figures presented at the Summit, more than 100,000 students, including 70,000 girls, are involved in chess clubs across the country. Specialized chess classes have been established in more than 100 schools, while since 2024 an annual chess championship has also been organised for preschool children aged five to seven. The long-term ambition, Bokiyev explained, is to transform chess from a popular activity into a continuous system of intellectual development – giving children an opportunity to discover the game, identifying talent early and creating conditions for further development. He described chess as a universal language in which knowledge, thinking, hard work and skill matter more than nationality, language or social background. “We consider every investment in chess, first and foremost, an investment in human capital,” Bokiyev said. A child sitting at a chessboard today, he noted, may become tomorrow’s scientist, engineer, entrepreneur or community leader. Building systems that can grow ISCF President Timur Turlov focused on the importance of making educational chess systematic, sustainable and scalable. He pointed to Uzbekistan as an example of a country taking a long-term approach to chess and shared Kazakhstan’s experience of rapidly expanding its own school programme. Turlov said a pilot that began with 42 schools in 2023 has since expanded to around 2,500 schools, alongside extensive teacher training. He highlighted another challenge facing modern education: the increasing difficulty children have maintaining concentration in an environment dominated by smartphones, social media, short-form video and digital entertainment. “Chess is a quite unique subject because it helps kids to slow down, calm down and enjoy concentration,” Turlov said. He stressed that the objective is not necessarily to produce professional chess players. Instead, chess can help children develop skills they can later use as engineers, doctors, developers or in other fields. Turlov also emphasised the accessibility of chess: equipment is relatively inexpensive, the basic rules can be taught widely, and programmes can reach children in both urban and rural areas. During the opening segment, Turlov also announced Donald Rojas Fernández as Vice President of the International School Chess Federation. Recognising impact through education The first part of the Summit also celebrated individuals and organisations already using chess to create educational opportunities. The ISCF Impact Awards recognised initiatives supporting girls through chess and education. Honourees included Karandeep Singh Kapany, Regional Marketing Director for India and South East Asia at Duolingo, for expanding opportunities through the Duolingo Dreamers initiative, and H.E. Dr. Auxillia Mnangagwa, First Lady of Zimbabwe, for advancing opportunities for girls through education and chess. Seven 2026 FIDE Year of Chess in Education Awards followed. John Foley received the Educator of the Year Award; the Catalan Chess Federation received the Presidential Award; Zimbabwe received the Kick-starter Award; the Armenian State Pedagogical Institute received the Academic Vanguard Award; Prof. (Dr.) Achyuta Samanta received the Education Philanthropic Award; the Ministry of Sport of Costa Rica, represented by Donald Rojas Fernández, received the Visionary Opening Move Award; and Freedom Holding Corp., represented by Timur Turlov, received the Chess Capital Award. From discussion to action: Barbados partnership The Summit also translated its discussions into concrete commitments. FIDE, the International School Chess Federation and the Ministry of Educational Transformation of Barbados signed a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at integrating chess into Barbadian schools. The agreement, signed by Viswanathan Anand, Timur Turlov and Barbados Minister of Educational Transformation Hon. Chad Blackman, focuses on cooperation in areas including curriculum integration, teacher training and international competition, with chess used to support skills such as critical thinking and problem-solving. The partnership reflected one of the Summit’s recurring themes: successful Chess in Education programmes require cooperation between chess organisations, governments and educators rather than isolated initiatives. Global perspectives on Chess in Education A high-level discussion then brought together Dana Reizniece, Acting Chair of the FIDE Management Board; Hon. Chad Blackman;
José Antonio Carrillo receives broad support to continue at the helm of FIDE Americas
During the 46th World Chess Olympiad, on September 24, continental elections for FIDE Americas (Confederación de Ajedrez de las Américas) were held to elect its President and the members of the new Executive Board. By a vote of 29 to 12, José Antonio Carrillo and his team received broad support from the national federations of the Americas. The new Executive Board is composed as follows: José Antonio Carrillo, President Francisco Cruz Arce, Vice President Erick Hernández, Treasurer Enrique Celi, Secretary Sandy Razark, Member María Enriqueta Velásquez, Member Malcolm Powell, Member This result affirms the continent’s confidence in a leadership team committed to unity, cooperation among federations, and the strengthening of chess in the Americas. This marks the beginning of a new stage of joint work, dialogue, and development, aimed at further driving the growth of chess across the continent.
Olympiad Day 7: Two Nodirbeks, one golden mission
Uzbekistan keeps marching towards gold as its two Nodirbeks continue to deliver With the finish line beginning to come into view, every half-point is becoming increasingly valuable in Samarkand. Uzbekistan continue to lead the Open section, with the two Nodirbeks playing a central role in the hosts’ impressive run, while a crowded chasing pack is still fighting to stay within striking distance. With only a handful of rounds remaining, the pressure is rising and there is little room for a slip. In the Women’s section, China and Kazakhstan remain locked in a tie at the top after their direct encounter, while India, Georgia, Armenia and several other strong teams continue to battle for position. Surprises are becoming increasingly costly at this stage of the Olympiad, as every match can have a major impact on the medal race. Let’s take a closer look at the action from the playing hall. Ceremonial moves across the playing hall Ceremonial opening moves are generally performed on the top boards, but occasionally politicians and dignitaries from other countries travel to the Olympiad and, naturally, would like to open the game for their own teams. That, however, involves a little extra coordination. The media has to move swiftly from board to board, which is no easy task in a 163-meter-long playing hall! The first dignitary to make a ceremonial move was Mrs. Veronique Herminie, First Lady of the Republic of Seychelles, who opened her country’s women’s team game on board two with 1.e4. Media attention then shifted to the match between Barbados and Aruba, where Mr. Chad Blackman, Minister of Educational Transformation and Member of Parliament for St. James North, Barbados, made the ceremonial move on board one. The third ceremonial move took place on board one of the Costa Rica–Latvia match. Mr. Donald Rojas Fernández, National Director of the Costa Rican Institute of Sport and Recreation, opened the game for Costa Rica’s number-one player, IM Leonardo Valdés Romero. Finally, everyone hurried back to the top board, where Mr. Husen Tuxtaev, Deputy Governor of the Samarkand Region for Youth Policy, Social Development, and Spiritual and Educational Affairs, opened Nodirbek Abdusattorov’s game with 1.e3, amidst a flurry of photographers and television cameras. “A very solid move,” remarked Christian Chirila from the commentary booth. Peter Svidler immediately added his own humorous assessment: “Everything is protected – 1.e4 puts a pawn on an unprotected square. That is just not on!” Open section Uzbekistan take another step towards gold It is always interesting to see how players react after a much-needed free day. Some take the opportunity to play sports, others explore Samarkand, and some even join an online “Titled Tuesday”. Most, however, simply use the break to catch up on some well-deserved rest and recharge their batteries for the latter stages of the tournament. Yet a brisk walk around the venue quickly made it apparent that many players are still feeling the strain, particularly those who have had little opportunity to take a round off. Uzbekistan, however, appear to be the exception. All five members of their squad are young and energetic, and they have shown an impressive ability to bring their A-game to the board day after day. This afternoon, they took another giant step towards gold by defeating China 3–1 in convincing fashion. Uzbekistan won with White on boards one and three, while the other two games were drawn, giving the hosts another emphatic team victory against one of the strongest contenders in the field. Abdusattorov strikes, Yakubboev keeps rolling On board one, Nodirbek Abdusattorov, now on an impressive 5.5/7, handed Ding Liren his first defeat of the tournament. His victory was built on excellent opening preparation, which gave him a huge advantage on the clock and allowed him to play with considerable time in hand throughout the game. Although it was not easy to catch him immediately after such an intense battle, FIDE’s own Charlize van Zyl was the first reporter to get hold of Abdusattorov for a quick interview once he had managed to catch his breath. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eHkR1oSOMkw Meanwhile, the second Nodirbek in the Uzbekistan team, Yakubboev, ground down Yu Yangyi in a tricky endgame to score his fifth win in his last six games. At this rate, it would hardly be surprising to see him fighting for an individual medal as well. Armenia hold USA as India keep their hopes alive Combined with Armenia’s result, the victory leaves Uzbekistan two full match points clear of their nearest challengers, while they also enjoy a substantial advantage on the tiebreak. With four rounds still to play, the hosts have put themselves in an extremely strong position in the race for gold In fact, even though they could not quite keep pace with Uzbekistan, Armenia’s 2–2 draw against the United States was a massive result for the underdogs. Awonder Liang finally picked up his second win on board four, while Wesley So seriously misplayed a tricky rook ending involving passed pawns and was forced to resign against Robert Hovhannisyan. Although their average rating is significantly lower than that of the top seeds, Armenia are an extremely tight-knit team who know each other very well and have collected numerous medals in major team events. They may not always attract the same attention as the top seeds, but they can never be taken lightly. After their defeat to Uzbekistan, India had little choice but to beat England if they were to keep their medal hopes alive. They duly delivered a 2.5–1.5 victory, winning on boards one and four. Gukesh D, in particular, continued his outstanding tournament, moving to an impressive 6/7 and firmly putting himself in the conversation for an individual medal. England, meanwhile, opted to rest third-board Gawain Jones – although he was still very much involved in the match, taking his place as captain! Position of the day – Praggnanandhaa finds a stunning counterattack Nikita Vitiugov – Praggnanandhaa R With both kings castled on opposite sides of the board, anything can happen, and sometimes a game