A delegation from the International Chess Federation (FIDE), led by President Arkady Dvorkovich, visited Uzbekistan at the end of October to advance preparations for the upcoming 46th Chess Olympiad, scheduled to take place in Samarkand in 2026.

The FIDE delegation arrived in Samarkand on October 27, where they engaged with local officials and assessed the city’s infrastructure readiness. The team conducted a detailed inspection of the under-construction EXPO Center, the designated venue for the Olympiad, and reviewed the city’s hotel facilities to confirm they meet FIDE’s standards for accommodating international participants and visitors. The selection of Samarkand as host follows its successful organization of the 2023 FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Championships, solidifying the city’s reputation as a prominent chess venue.

On October 28, the FIDE delegation traveled to Tashkent, where they met with Uzbekistan’s Prime Minister, Abdulla Aripov, who also serves as President of the Uzbek Chess Federation. Joining the meeting were Minister of Sport Adham Ikromov and Alisher Sa’dullayev, Director of the Youth Affairs Agency and first deputy chairperson of the Uzbek Chess Federation. The discussions covered logistical and promotional efforts essential for a smooth Olympiad and examined ongoing initiatives aimed at popularizing chess across the nation.

Uzbekistan has seen a sharp rise in its chess profile in recent years. The country boasts five players ranked among the world’s top 100, a testament to its commitment to the sport. In 2022, Uzbekistan claimed victory at the Chess Olympiad, and in 2024, it earned a bronze medal in Budapest, further establishing itself as a competitive force in international chess.