India Today ·
FIDE Chess Olympiad 2026: Pakistan refuses to play Israel, gives walkover
Pakistan refused to face Israel in the opening round of the FIDE Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, handing Israel a 4-0 walkover. The Chess Federation of Pakistan said the boycott was in line with the government's policy towards Israel.
Pakistan refused to play Israel in the opening round of the 46th FIDE World Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, on Wednesday, giving its opponents a 4-0 victory by walkover.
Pakistan did not field a single player for the scheduled match, leaving all four boards unplayed in the Open section of the tournament. The Chess Federation of Pakistan (CFP) said the decision was in line with the country's policy towards Israel and was also intended to express solidarity with the Palestinian people.
