Chess Olympiad 2026: India’s Campaign in Samarkand, Schedule, Teams and Latest Updates

The 46^th edition of Chess Olympiad 2026 has begun in the historic city of Uzbekistan called Samarkand. Prestigious teams from all over the world are participating in this tournament to win medals for their country. The opening ceremony of tournament was held on 15^th September although the competitive action started on 16^th September and will end on 27^th September.

This year’s Olympiad is special in terms of participation also. According to FIDE, there are 208 teams in Open section and 192 teams in Women’s section registered. This year has even broken the record of Budapest Olympiad by having 400 teams in total.

 India as Defending Champions

Chess Olympiad 2026 is particularly important for India because Indian teams are the defending champions in both categories Open and Women’s. India won a double gold at 2024 Budapest Olympiad.

In the Open section the Indian squad consist of top players like world champion Gukesh, R Praggnanandhaa and Arjun Erigaisi. In the Women’s section an experienced grandmaster Koneru Humpy is leading the Indian team. Indian women’s team is also defending 2024 title.

 India vs Thailand: 3-1 Victory

India started Round 1 of their campaign against Thailand. Defending champions took the victory with 3-1 but the result was not straightforward.

The biggest upset was seen in the game of Arjun Erigaisi vs Prin Laohawirapap where Arjun lost to Thailand International master with white pieces. According to FIDE analysis, Arjun was at a big advantage during the game but with time pressure he made a small tactical mistake after which the tables turned on him.

 Strong start for Women’s Team

India Women’s team gave a more convincing performance in their opening round by defeating Dominican Republic with   4-0.

In the women’s section other than India some countries like Georgia, Kazakhstan, China and United States got a victory with clean sweeps.

 Global Celebration of Chess at Samarkand

Chess Olympiad 22026 is not only limited till competition. FIDE Chess Olympiad for People with Disabilities is also organized at Samarkand. This is the first for FIDE when both Olympiads are happening in the same host city and overlapping period.

Everybody will have their eyes on this tournament with each day passing. Gukesh, Praggnanandhaa, Arjun Erigaisi and Indian Women’s squad’s performance will be the major talking points. Final medals will be decided on 27 September after the 11^th round.