Pakistan Boycotts Match Against Israel at Samarkand Chess Olympiad

Ifrah Aqeel
Published September 17, 2026

Pakistan has refused to play its scheduled first-round match against Israel at the 2026 Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, citing the country’s policy towards Israel.

The Pakistan and Israel chess teams were scheduled to meet in the first round of the Chess Olympiad on Wednesday. The match was not played, with all four boards listed as unplayed in the tournament records.

Chess Federation of Pakistan President Syed Zeeshan Ali Naqvi said Pakistan has a clear policy regarding Israel. He said the federation could not play against Israel in a way that would go against the government’s policy.

Naqvi also said the decision was intended to express solidarity with Palestine.

Chess Olympiad in Samarkand

The 46th FIDE Chess Olympiad is taking place in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. The opening ceremony was held on September 15, while the first round began on September 16. The event runs through September 27.

The tournament includes 208 teams in the Open section and 191 teams in the Women’s section. It is one of the largest international team chess events.

Ifrah Aqeel

Ifrah Aqeel is a news writer and editor covering entertainment, trending stories, and major national and international developments. She specializes in breaking down fast-moving news, viral trends, and current events into clear, engaging content. Backed by a disciplined editorial background, Ifrah brings a fast, factual, and research-driven approach to every story she covers.