Pakistan clinch gold at FIDE chess Olympiad in Uzbekistan

Pakistan have secured a gold medal in Category D of the 46th FIDE Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, marking a notable achievement for the country’s chess community.

The International Chess Federation (FIDE) confirmed Pakistan as the winner of the Open section’s Category D prize during the tournament’s closing ceremony on September 27. 

The category awards recognised the highest-performing teams across five rating groups, from A to E. 

The bi-yearly competition, held from September 16 to 27, brought together a record 400 teams, including 208 in the Open section and 192 in the Women’s event.

Pakistan’s Open team was captained by Raja Gauhar and featured FIDE Masters Muhammad Waqar and Amer Karim, Candidate Master Mafaaz Khalid, Zaman Sohail and Zorez Shabkhez, according to the official tournament registration records. 

Chess Federation of Pakistan President Syed Zeeshan Ali Naqvi, who attended the event alongside federation officials, congratulated the players on their achievement and praised their dedication and determination.

The result provides international recognition for Pakistan’s chess players and highlights their participation in one of the sport’s largest global team competitions.