Shavkat Mirziyoyev sent congratulations to the participants of the 46th World Chess Olympiad
Shavkat Mirziyoyev sent congratulations to the participants of the 46th World Chess Olympiad
Shavkat Mirziyoyev congratulated the participants of the 46th World Chess Olympiad, which is being organized in Samarkand for the first time.
Welcoming grandmasters, coaches, and chess fans from more than 200 countries to Uzbekistan, the head of state emphasized that Samarkand has become the "world chess capital" for the Olympiad participants.
It was noted that holding the Olympiad in the ancient city, which embodies more than three thousand years of history and culture, gives a special splendor to the event.
Shavkat Mirziyoyev noted that Uzbekistan has ancient schools and traditions of chess. In particular, it was recalled that Amir Temur was mentioned not only as a strategically thinking commander but also as a skilled chess player. It was emphasized that the scientific and artistic works of Muhammad al-Khwarizmi, Abu Rayhan Biruni, Mirzo Ulugbek, Alisher Navoiy, and Zahiriddin Muhammad Babur also focused on the role of chess in human spiritual development.
It was reported that in New Uzbekistan, chess, along with other sports, is being developed from neighborhoods to educational institutions based on the principle of "from mass participation to professionalism." The number of people regularly playing chess in the country has exceeded 2 million, and the number of rated professional chess players has surpassed 6,000.
Today, there are 32 chess players with the title of international grandmaster in Uzbekistan. Also, 5 leading chess players of the country are included in the top one hundred of the world rankings.
The President also noted that the men's national team of Uzbekistan rose to 8th place among 204 countries in the FIDE rating, and the women's team rose to 20th place. The national team of Uzbekistan won the 44th World Chess Olympiad in 2022, and took a place among the prize winners at the 2024 Olympiad.
In particular, it was noted that Javokhir Sindarov won the Candidates Tournament for the world championship and captured the World Cup, and Nodirbek Abdusattorov won a silver medal at the World Blitz Championship. It was emphasized that the achievements of young chess players in international competitions are opening new pages in the history of national chess.
Shavkat Mirziyoyev assessed the granting of the right to host the 46th World Chess Olympiad to Uzbekistan as a high trust shown to the country by the international sports community. He noted that the Samarkand Olympiad will be held in the spirit of intense competition, high sports culture, honesty, and mutual respect, introducing new champions and bright talents to the world.
It was reported that along with the Olympiad, conditions have also been created in Samarkand to host the 3rd Para-Chess Olympiad and the 97th FIDE Congress. The President expressed his gratitude to the FIDE leadership and team, as well as partner organizations, for their support and cooperation in organizing these events.
The head of state expressed confidence that these major sports events will strengthen friendship and solidarity among nations. It was also noted that they will serve to further popularize chess in Uzbekistan, increase the intellectual potential of youth, and raise the country's prestige in the international arena.
In the President's congratulatory message, it was emphasized that today's Olympiad demonstrates the idea of building the future of humanity not on force, but on intellect and knowledge, not on hostility, but on friendship and solidarity, not on indifference, but on determination towards noble goals.
Shavkat Mirziyoyev wished the Olympiad participants good health, success and luck to all teams, and success to the work of the FIDE Congress. "May victory be with you all, welcome to Uzbekistan, dear guests!" the congratulatory message reads.