Pakistan hand Israel 4-0 win after refusing to play at FIDE World Chess Olympiad

Team Pakistan gives walkover to team Israel (Image: Screengrab/x)

Pakistan forfeited its opening-round match against Israel at the 46th FIDE World Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, after refusing to field players across all four boards.Israel was awarded a 4-0 victory by default in the Open section, with every board left unplayed. The Chess Federation of Pakistan (CFP) said the decision followed Pakistan’s official state policy of not recognising Israel.

CFP president Syed Zeeshan Naqvi said the boycott was also intended to express solidarity with the Palestinian people.“We have boycotted the match to express solidarity with the Palestinian people,” Naqvi said.Pakistan remains eligible to participate in the remaining rounds of the Olympiad despite the opening-round forfeit.

Pakistan say boycott reflects government position

Naqvi said Pakistan had a clear and consistent policy regarding Israel and that the federation could not take part in a match that went against the government’s position. The decision meant Israel received the full four points available from the match without any games being played.

Chess Olympiad 2026: Format and schedule

The 46th FIDE Chess Olympiad is taking place in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, from September 15 to 27, 2026.

It features separate Open and Women’s competitions, with teams competing in an 11-round Swiss-system format. Each team fields four players in a match, with a reserve player available.The tournament is being held at the Silk Road International Exhibition Centre and brings together national teams from around the world. The programme also includes the third FIDE Chess Olympiad for People with Disabilities.India are defending champions in both the Open and Women’s sections, having won gold in both competitions at the 2024 Chess Olympiad in Budapest.