President Mirziyoyev praises Uzbekistan’s ‘strong generation’ of chess players after Olympiad triumph

“Another major challenge now awaits you – the fight for the world championship,” the president told Sindarov. “You have not only your teammates and coaches behind you, but nearly 40 million people across Uzbekistan. We believe in you.”

Mukhiddin Madaminov, who was making his first appearance at a major competition of this level, delivered the decisive point for Uzbekistan by defeating Ukraine’s Roman Dehtiariov with the black pieces in the final round. FIDE reported that Madaminov finished the event unbeaten with 5.5 points from seven games.

Shamsiddin Vokhidov also contributed to the team’s overall result, including a hard-fought draw with reigning world champion Gukesh.

“This gold medal is the result of the hard work and enormous contribution of every member of the team,” Mirziyoyev said.

The president said he expected books and films about the players and their games to be produced, with their achievements eventually becoming part of chess textbooks.

He also highlighted Uzbekistan’s broader performance at the Olympiad, where the country fielded three men’s and three women’s teams. The second men’s team defeated the Netherlands, which was ranked sixth in the world, while 17-year-old Asrorjon Omonov recorded seven wins in eight games for the third team.

“We are no longer talking about just two or three outstanding chess players. We now have an entire generation of strong players,” Mirziyoyev said, expressing confidence that this generation and those that follow would achieve further success on the world chess stage.

The president also praised Uzbekistan’s women players. The first women’s team won seven of its 11 rounds and competed on equal terms with representatives of some of the world’s strongest chess nations. Afruza Khamdamova, Gulruhbegim Tokhirjonova, Umida Omonova, Nilufar Imamkuziyeva and Guldona Karimova were among those whose performances he highlighted.

“I am confident that Uzbek women chess players will also reach the top step of the Olympiad podium,” Mirziyoyev said.

Uzbekistan also secured its first-ever team medal at the 3rd FIDE Para Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, winning bronze. Selbi Kakishova scored six points from seven games to take silver on her board, while Abdulaziz Bahodirov won an individual bronze medal. Ahadkhon Kimsanboyev completed the competition unbeaten.

Mirziyoyev praised the para-chess players for their performance, saying their determination, intellect and perseverance had set an example for thousands of people.

He also stressed the role of families, first coaches, trainers and wider support teams behind each champion, saying their success was the product of a collective effort.

The president separately addressed Rustam Kasimdzhanov, whose world championship victory helped usher in a new era for Uzbek chess and whose experience is now being passed on to a new generation.

“For a coach, there is no greater victory than seeing his students achieve even greater heights than he did,” Mirziyoyev said.

Uzbekistan’s Chess Federation was also recognized by FIDE as the federation of the year, while Kasimdzhanov was elected an honorary FIDE vice president and Hulkar Tokhirjonova was elected FIDE’s regional president for Central Asia.

Mirziyoyev said the recognition reflected Uzbekistan’s growing standing on the international chess scene.