Pakistan Boycotts Chess Match Against Israel at 2026 Olympiad

Pakistan has boycotted its scheduled chess match against Israel at the 2026 Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, citing the country’s policy toward Israel and solidarity with the Palestinian people. Pakistan and Israel were drawn to face each other in the first round of the tournament, but the Pakistani team opted not to participate in the match.

President of the Chess Federation of Pakistan said the country maintains a clear policy regarding Israel. Pakistani player Zeeshan Ali Naqvi said the team could not play against Israel in violation of government policy, adding that the decision was also intended to express solidarity with Palestine.

The Chess Olympiad in Uzbekistan has brought together teams from 203 countries from around the world. Pakistan’s decision means its scheduled first-round encounter with Israel was not played, reflecting Islamabad’s longstanding position on relations with Israel.