Pakistan Boycotts Israel Match at Samarkand Chess Olympiad
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has boycotted its scheduled match against Israel at the 46th FIDE World Chess Olympiad 2026 in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, with the Chess Federation of Pakistan citing the country’s policy towards Israel and solidarity with the Palestinian people.
The Pakistan-Israel match was scheduled for Wednesday in the opening round of the prestigious international event. However, Pakistan declined to play against the Israeli team and did not take part in the scheduled match.
Chess Federation of Pakistan (CFP) President Syed Zeeshan Naqvi said Pakistan had a clear and consistent policy regarding Israel and that the federation could not participate in a match contrary to the government’s policy.
Naqvi said the decision was also intended to convey a message of solidarity with the Palestinian people. “We have boycotted the match to express solidarity with the Palestinian people,” he said. He further said Pakistan’s participation in international sporting events would continue, but the federation would respect the Pakistan government’s official position on Israel.
The 46th FIDE World Chess Olympiad is being held in Samarkand from September 15 to 27, bringing together national teams from around the world. The event features separate open and women’s competitions, with more than 390 teams registered across the two sections.
