Photo: How the opening ceremony of the 46th World Chess Olympiad in Samarkand went
The 46th World Chess Olympiad has opened in Samarkand. The tournament participants were welcomed with a theatrical performance, a musical program, a drone show, and fireworks. "Gazeta" correspondent Evgeniy Sorochin prepared a photo report from the solemn opening ceremony.
Photo: How the opening ceremony of the 46th World Chess Olympiad in Samarkand went
On the evening of September 15, the opening ceremony of the Chess Olympiad took place in Samarkand. The event was held in the amphitheater of the "Bokiy Shahar" complex and featured theatrical and musical performances, elements of national culture, 3D video mapping, a drone show, and fireworks.
The official part was opened by the Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, Abdulla Aripov, who read out a greeting from President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to the tournament participants. The acting president of the International Chess Federation (FIDE), five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand, also addressed the guests.
During the ceremony, the drawing of colors took place. It featured former FIDE world champion, Uzbekistani grandmaster Rustam Kasimdzhanov, and the ninth women's world champion, Zhu Chen.
The first round of the Olympiad began on September 16. The competition will run until September 27 and will consist of 11 rounds in the open and women's sections.