FIDE Chess Olympiad 2026: Will there be a Gukesh vs Sindarov clash in Samarkand?

The Gukesh vs Sindarov World Championship match will take place in Geneva, Switzerland, starting on November 24. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

India carries the weight of defending both Chess Olympiad titles, with world champion D Gukesh and in-form R Praggnanandhaa spearheading the Open team that starts among the favourites, while the Women’s side too will look to retain its crown.

Gukesh, however, arrives at the Olympiad at a very different point in his career from the last edition. The 20-year-old has endured a significant dip in form over the past year and will be keen to use the tournament to regain his rhythm before his World Championship match in November in Switzerland.

The biggest challenge for India in the Open section is likely to come from home team Uzbekistan, which will be spearheaded by World Championship challenger Javokhir Sindarov.

The Uzbek GM will battle Gukesh for the World Championship title later this year.

Will Gukesh and Sindarov face off in the Chess Olympiad?

Unfortunately for chess fans, there won’t be a teaser clash for the World Championship match in Samarkand.

While Sindarov is slotted in the top board for Uzbekistan, Gukesh will feature in the fourth board, meaning there is no chance the two GMs would face off at the Chess Olympiad.

The Gukesh vs Sindarov World Championship match will take place in Geneva, Switzerland, starting on November 24.