Pakistan boycotted its scheduled first-round match against Israel at the 46th FIDE Chess Olympiad 2026 in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, with the Chess Federation of Pakistan (CFP) citing the country’s policy towards Israel and solidarity with the Palestinian people.
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The Pakistan-Israel match was scheduled for Wednesday, September 16, as part of the opening round of the international team tournament. Pakistan declined to play and did not take part in the scheduled match.
Official tournament records listed Pakistan and Israel as opponents, with the four boards recorded as unplayed.
CFP President Syed Zeeshan Naqvi said Pakistan had a clear and consistent policy regarding Israel and that the federation could not participate in a match contrary to the Pakistani government’s position.
Naqvi said the decision was also intended to express solidarity with the Palestinian people.
“We have boycotted the match to express solidarity with the Palestinian people,” he said.
He added that Pakistan’s participation in international sporting events would continue, while the federation would respect the Pakistani government’s official position on Israel.
The 46th FIDE Chess Olympiad is being held in Samarkand from September 15 to 27, 2026. The first competitive round was scheduled for September 16.
According to FIDE, the tournament has 400 teams across its Open and Women’s sections, including 208 teams in the Open competition and 192 in the Women’s event. The tournament is being played over 11 rounds.
The event has brought together national teams from around the world at the Silk Road International Exhibition Centre in Samarkand.
Pakistan’s decision not to play its scheduled match against Israel comes while the national team continues its participation in the wider international chess competition.
