MOSCOW, September 29. /Dunyo IA/. Leading Russian media outlets - “Kommersant”, “RIA Novosti”, “Sovetsky Sport”, “Big Asia” and “Moskovsky Komsomolets” - have covered the success of Uzbekistan’s chess team, which won the Open section of the 46th Chess Olympiad in Samarkand in 2026, securing the second Olympic gold medal in the country’s history, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

Publications note that while Uzbekistan’s first Olympic gold in Chennai in 2022 was viewed as a major surprise and a breakthrough by a young team, the latest victory on home soil in Samarkand demonstrated the transformation of Uzbek players into mature and experienced grandmasters of world-class calibre.

Media outlets also highlight the scale of the competition. The 46th Chess Olympiad is described as the largest in FIDE history, with 400 teams taking part in the event.

In addition, Russian analysts and experts highlight Uzbekistan’s systematic state-level approach to chess development, as well as the high individual calibre of its leading players, including Javokhir Sindarov, who previously won the 2026 Candidates Tournament and is preparing to face Gukesh Dommaraju in the World Championship match.