"VAN" (Sports Desk - 12.09.2026) :: The first moves have been played at the 3rd FIDE Chess Olympiad for People with Disabilities, with 41 teams beginning their campaigns in Samarkand.
Following Thursday’s opening ceremony, Round 1 brought the focus to the chessboards. Most of the favourites started confidently, but the opening day also produced some early surprises. Beyond the results, conversations with players from around the world highlighted what lies at the heart of the event: inclusion, equality, friendship and a shared love of chess.
The ceremonial first move was made by Akaki Iashvili, FIDE Special Tasks Director and FIDE Technical Delegate of the Olympiad for People with Disabilities, and Komil Sindarov, Vice President of the Uzbekistan Chess Federation, on Board 1 of the Poland – Mongolia match.
The encounter proved to be one of the closest of the opening round. Poland won on the top two boards, while Mongolia struck back on Boards 3 and 4 to secure a 2–2 draw.
Favourites start strongly, but surprises come early
Most of the higher-rated teams successfully navigated their opening matches. Cuba defeated IPCA 3½–½, Israel overcame Bangladesh by the same score, while Germany, USA, Ukraine and Hungary all began with perfect 4–0 victories.
The Philippines made an impressive start with a 3½–½ victory over Brazil. Argentina defeated Egypt 3–1, the Czech Republic beat Belarus 3–1, India overcame Uzbekistan 2 by the same score, Serbia defeated Vietnam 3–1, Switzerland beat Zimbabwe 3–1, Kazakhstan defeated ICCD 3–1, and Spain recorded a 3½–½ victory over China.
Uzbekistan 1 gave the home supporters plenty to celebrate with a 4–0 victory against Uganda. But not everything went according to rating.
One of the biggest surprises came from Kyrgyzstan, who defeated the considerably higher-rated Turkmenistan team 3–1. After draws on the first two boards, Toktobek Bolotov and Gulzat Kasymbaeva delivered victories on Boards 3 and 4 to seal the match.
There was another home success for Uzbekistan 3, who defeated higher-rated Venezuela 2½–1½. Ali Irgashev drew on the top board, while Abdurahmon Azimjonov and Abbas Eshmuratov scored the two victories for the Uzbek team.
Croatia and Türkiye also shared the points in a 2–2 draw.
“This can become a tradition”
For Komil Sindarov, Vice President of the Uzbekistan Chess Federation, bringing the Olympiad for People with Disabilities together with the main Chess Olympiad in the same host city represents something bigger than the competition itself.
“This is the first time here in Uzbekistan that the Olympiad for People with Disabilities and the Olympiad are being held at the same time. Of course, this also brings certain organizational challenges. But I believe that we must protect the rights of people with disabilities and respect them,” he said (translated from Uzbek).
“We believe that the foundation being laid here in Uzbekistan today will help make it possible for the Olympiad for People with Disabilities and the Olympiad to be held at the same time in the future. I believe that this tradition will continue” (translated from Uzbek).
Sindarov said that seeing the joy of participants who had travelled to Samarkand from around the world had made a particular impression on him.
“When I see the happiness on their faces, I feel very happy myself. People with disabilities, who may sometimes feel that some of their opportunities are limited, can today stand equally alongside everyone else, alongside other chess players, and participate in an Olympiad like this.” (translated from Uzbek).
He also reflected on the rapid development of chess in Uzbekistan, pointing to improved coaching opportunities, scholarships, training camps and the country’s growing international tournament calendar.
“Whereas we once had only one or two tournaments, today we have 24 international tournaments a year. We are creating all the necessary conditions for our chess players to compete and improve their level.” (translated from Uzbek).
A perfect start for the hosts
Uzbekistan 1 began its campaign with a clean sweep against Uganda, winning 4–0.
On the top board, Axadxon Kimsanboyev defeated Enock Seguya with the black pieces. After the game, Kimsanboyev explained that after the queens were exchanged, he felt he had obtained a favourable endgame and eventually converted his advantage.
“This game was not easy for me, but I’m expecting very hard games against the top players,” he said.
Having participated in every edition of the Olympiad, Kimsanboyev has watched the competition grow first-hand.
“The first Olympiad was in Belgrade in 2023, and the second Olympiad was in 2025. At the first Olympiad, I took a silver medal on Board 4. Every Olympiad, the number of participants is getting bigger and bigger. I hope that in the next Olympiad even more teams will participate, and we will meet more friends at the chessboard.”
His own chess journey began at the age of ten, when his grandfather taught him the game. International competition followed from 2021, and chess gradually became one of the defining parts of his life.
“Chess is one of the most important things in my life. Chess has helped me find more friends, win medals, participate in more competitions, and travel to more countries.”
Responses
Leave your comment