Chess Olympiad 2026: Pakistan boycotts Israel fixture in solidarity with Palestine
File | Israel was handed a 4-0 win by virtue of the walkover by Pakistan. | Photo Credit: FIDE/Flickr
File | Israel was handed a 4-0 win by virtue of the walkover by Pakistan. | Photo Credit: FIDE/Flickr
Pakistan has reportedly boycotted its opening fixture against Israel in the 46th Chess Olympiad in Samarkhand, Uzbekistan.
The decision reportedly has stemmed from the Pakistan Government’s official policy towards Israel and in solidarity with the people of Palestine.
Israel was handed a 4-0 win by virtue of the walkover.
CFP President Syed Zeeshan Naqvi is reported by the Times of Karachi as saying ‘Pakistan had a clear and consistent policy regarding Israel and that the federation could not participate in a match contrary to the government’s policy.’
“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, but the federation would respect the Pakistani government’s official position on Israel.
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