SAMARKAND, September 28. /Dunyo IA/. Another brilliant chapter has been written in the history of Uzbek chess - the men's national team of Uzbekistan has become the champion of the 46^th Chess Olympiad, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

Uzbekistan-1 team secured 20 points across 11 rounds and won the gold medals in the open section of the Olympiad, claiming the Hamilton-Russell Cup.

“I sincerely congratulate you, my dear children, who have shone brightly on the global chess horizon, on this historic victory at the 46^th Chess Olympiad. May the high title of two-time Olympic champions and this great triumph become a celebration for all of us, for our entire multinational people”, states the congratulatory message of the Head of State addressed to the members of the national chess team of Uzbekistan.

“In these thrilling moments, the entire nation and the global chess community admire your intellect, unyielding will, skill, and courage demonstrated in the intense struggle against renowned teams and nearly two thousand chess players representing more than 200 countries”, President noted in his congratulatory message.

In the decisive 11^th round, Uzbekistan-1 team - composed of Nodirbek Abdusattorov, Javokhir Sindarov, Nodirbek Yakubboev, Mukhiddin Madaminov and Shamsiddin Vokhidov - secured a victory over the national team of Ukraine with a score of 2.5:1.5.

National team of India finished with 18 points to claim the silver medals, while Germany, with the same result of 18 points, became the bronze medalist.

Path to the championship was arduous. On their journey to the title, the Uzbek chess players contested intense and uncompromising matches against the strongest opponents. In the crucial rounds, the team defeated the national teams of India with a score of 2.5:1.5 and China with a score of 3:1.

In the 8^th round, Uzbek team dropped points in the match against Germany; however, the chess players sustained their winning streak in the subsequent rounds. A victory was secured over the United States team in the 9^th round, followed by a resounding 3.5:0.5 defeat of Armenia in the 10^th round. The victory over Ukraine in the final round sealed the championship title for the team.

At the Olympiad in Samarkand, Uzbek chess players distinguished themselves not only through the team result but also through exceptional individual achievements. Nodirbek Abdusattorov won the gold medal on board one, Javokhir Sindarov secured the bronze on board two and Nodirbek Yakubboev claimed the silver on board three. Furthermore, Javokhir Sindarov was recognized as the best male player of the Olympiad.

Asrorjon Omonov was also among the leaders on his respective board. Abdumalik Abdusalimov, Mukhammadzokhid Siyarov, Afruza Khamdamova, Umida Omonova, Nilufar Imomkuzieva and Guldona Karimova positioned themselves within the top ten on their boards as well, demonstrating the emergence of a new generation of formidable chess players in Uzbekistan.

The 46^th Chess Olympiad in Samarkand became one of the largest in FIDE history in terms of the number of participants. It featured 394 teams representing more than 200 countries: 205 teams in the open section and 189 in the women's section.

Within the framework of the Olympiad, the inaugural FIDE Chess Paralympiad was held concurrently and at the same venue as the main Olympiad. It brought together 41 teams from 36 countries, totalling 164 chess players. The national para-chess team of Uzbekistan won the bronze medals.

In the women's section, national team of China secured victory with 20 points. Kazakhstan claimed second place, while India finished third.

FIDE Congress was also held in Samarkand, during which Timur Turlov, an entrepreneur from Kazakhstan, was elected President of the Federation. Furthermore, the Chess Federation of Uzbekistan emerged as the winner of the FIDE “Best Federation” award in 2026. The renowned Grandmaster Rustam Kasimdzhanov was elected Honorary Vice President of FIDE, while Khulkar Tokhirjonova was chosen as the FIDE Regional President for Central Asian countries.

Victory at the Olympiad in Samarkand has become one of the results of the consistent development of Uzbek chess in recent years. Following the championship title won in 2022 in Chennai and the bronze medal in Budapest in 2024, the successive championship claimed in 2026 on home soil stands as evidence of the national team's stable performance on the international arena.

It is particularly significant that this success is not limited to the achievements of a few leading chess players. The high results demonstrated in Samarkand by young athletes attest to the further expansion and strengthening of the chess school of Uzbekistan.

At the closing ceremony of the Olympiad, FIDE flag was handed over to the representatives of the United Arab Emirates - country that will host the 47th Chess Olympiad in 2028. FIDE President Timur Turlov noted the high standard of the events organized in Samarkand and presented the Chess Federation of Uzbekistan with the FIDE “Honor and Glory” medal.

Historic victory in Samarkand not only demonstrated the current potential of Uzbek chess but also laid a solid foundation for future champions. The gold medal of the national team has become a major event, signifying the continuation of a new period of high achievements in the chess history of Uzbekistan.