Archive · 17 Sep 2026
Pakistan Boycotts Israel Match at 2026 FIDE Chess Olympiad
Pakistan and Israel were supposed to play chess in the first round of a major tournament.
Pakistan did not send any players to the match.
Since none of the four games started, Israel was given a 4-0 win.
Pakistan’s chess federation said this followed the country’s policy toward Israel.
The federation also said the boycott showed support for Palestinian people.
Pakistan is still taking part in the rest of the tournament.
The Chess Olympiad is being held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, from September 15 to 27.
Pakistan’s next reported opponent is Seychelles.
Pakistan did not field players against Israel in the opening round in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
Israel received a 4-0 walkover because all four scheduled boards went unplayed.
The Chess Federation of Pakistan said the boycott followed Pakistan’s policy toward Israel.
CFP President Syed Zeeshan Naqvi said the decision expressed solidarity with Palestinians.
Pakistan remains in the tournament and is scheduled to play Seychelles in the second round.
- Who
- The Chess Federation of Pakistan, Pakistan’s chess team, Israel’s chess team, and CFP President Syed Zeeshan Naqvi.
- What
- Pakistan boycotted its opening-round match against Israel, giving Israel a 4-0 walkover victory.
- When
- The match was scheduled for Wednesday, September 16, during the September 15-27, 2026 tournament.
- Where
- The 46th FIDE Chess Olympiad is being held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
- Why
- Pakistan’s chess federation said the boycott followed Pakistan’s policy toward Israel and expressed solidarity with Palestinians.
- Tournament
- 46th FIDE Chess Olympiad
- Location
- Samarkand, Uzbekistan
- Tournament dates
- September 15-27, 2026
- Match stage
- Opening round, Open section
- Result
- Israel won 4-0 by walkover
- Unplayed boards
- All four scheduled boards
- Next reported match
- Pakistan versus Seychelles in the second round
- Rankings
- Pakistan was ranked 119th and Israel 18th in the FIDE rankings
