Archive · 22 Sep 2026
India's Chess Olympiad Title Defense Falters After Uzbekistan Loss
India is trying to defend its chess team title.
After six rounds, the team lost an important match to Uzbekistan.
This left India two points behind the tournament leader.
Nihal Sarin lost his game, while India's other three players drew.
India had started unevenly but then won three matches in a row.
Uzbekistan has played especially strongly and now leads alone.
India will rest before playing England next.
It must perform well against strong teams to have a chance at winning a medal.
India lost to hosts Uzbekistan in the sixth round of the Chess Olympiad.
The defeat left India on 10 points, two behind leaders Uzbekistan.
Nihal Sarin lost to Nodirbek Yakubboev, while the other three games were drawn.
India had earlier beaten Italy, Spain and the Netherlands after a difficult start.
India will next face England, followed by challenging matches against Germany and the United States.
- Who
- India's men's chess team, hosts Uzbekistan, and players including Nihal Sarin and Nodirbek Yakubboev.
- What
- India lost to Uzbekistan in the sixth round of the Chess Olympiad, weakening its title defence.
- When
- After six rounds; India has a rest day on Tuesday and then returns against England.
- Where
- At the Chess Olympiad, where Uzbekistan is the host team.
- Why
- India fell behind after Nihal Sarin lost on the third board, while Uzbekistan moved into sole first place.
- India's score
- 10 points after six rounds
- Leader
- Uzbekistan with 12 points
- Other contenders
- China and Armenia have 11 points
- Match result
- Uzbekistan defeated India; the other three games were draws
- Decisive game
- Nihal Sarin lost to Nodirbek Yakubboev
- Next opponent
- England
- Main challenges ahead
- Germany and the United States