Archive · 15 Sep 2026
Chess Olympiad 2026 Torch Handed to Uzbek Grandmaster Sindarov
A special chess torch was passed to Uzbek player Javokhir Sindarov in Bengaluru.
The torch represents the worldwide connection created by chess.
It is being carried from India to Uzbekistan.
Uzbekistan will host the Chess Olympiad in Samarkand in September 2026.
The Olympiad is a large team competition between countries.
Players will compete in separate open and women’s sections.
India won both sections last time and will try to win again.
Sindarov is visiting India to play in the Global Chess League.
The ceremonial Chess Olympiad torch was handed to Uzbek grandmaster Javokhir Sindarov in Bengaluru.
FIDE Interim President Viswanathan Anand and All India Chess Federation president Nitin Narang presented the torch.
The 46th Chess Olympiad will take place in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, from September 15 to 27, 2026.
The event is expected to feature 1,980 participants across 208 open and 191 women’s teams.
India, the defending champion in both sections, is considered a favourite to retain its titles.
- Who
- FIDE Interim President Viswanathan Anand, All India Chess Federation president Nitin Narang, and Uzbek grandmaster Javokhir Sindarov were involved.
- What
- A ceremonial Chess Olympiad torch was handed to Sindarov ahead of the 2026 Chess Olympiad.
- When
- The ceremony took place ahead of the Chess Olympiad, which is scheduled for September 15–27, 2026.
- Where
- The torch ceremony was held in Bengaluru, India; the Olympiad will be held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
- Why
- The torch symbolizes chess connecting nations and generations and builds excitement for the competition.
- Host city
- Samarkand, Uzbekistan
- Olympiad dates
- September 15–27, 2026
- Edition
- 46th Chess Olympiad
- Expected participants
- 1,980
- Open section
- 208 teams from 205 nations; 1,032 participants
- Women’s section
- 191 teams from 188 nations; 948 participants
- Competition format
- 11 rounds, with four players from each team facing four players from another team