Pakistan Chess Team Boycotts Match Against Israel at Samarkand Olympiad
The Pakistan chess team boycotted its scheduled match against Israel in the Open section of the 46th FIDE World Chess Olympiad in Samarkand. Pakistan refused to field any players for the first-round tie on Wednesday, leaving all four boards completely unplayed.
Chess Federation of Pakistan (CFP) President Syed Zeeshan Naqvi confirmed the boycott aligns with the country’s official state policy of not recognizing Israel. Naqvi stated the federation could not participate in a match that contradicts the government’s stance, adding that the action was intended to express solidarity with the Palestinian people.
As a result of the forfeit, Israel was awarded a full 4-0 victory without a single move being played. The 46th FIDE Chess Olympiad runs from September 15 to 27, 2026, in Samarkand, featuring over 390 teams. Pakistan plans to continue its participation in the remaining rounds of the tournament.
