Defending champions India made a solid start to the 46th FIDE Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, on September 16, 2026. The men’s (Open) team defeated Thailand 3–1, while the women’s team recorded a clean 4–0 sweep against the Dominican Republic in Round 1
India won gold in both sections at the 2024 Budapest Olympiad and entered the event in Samarkand as one of the top seeds and title favourites.
Men’s (Open) Section: India 3–1 Thailand
World Champion D Gukesh, Nihal Sarin and Vidit Gujrathi scored convincing victories, but Arjun Erigaisi’s shock defeat on top board prevented a clean sweep. R Praggnanandhaa was rested for the opening match, with Erigaisi taking Board 1.
Arjun Erigaisi lost to Prin Laohawirapap (Thailand). The Indian, playing White and rated nearly 400 points higher, held an advantage for much of the game but collapsed in the later stages after missing a key opportunity. The game stretched into the sixth hour before Erigaisi resigned.
Nihal Sarin was the first Indian to win, defeating Thanadon Kulpruethanon.
D Gukesh produced a brilliant attacking display to beat Faris Rashid Alriyami.
Vidit Gujrathi completed a comfortable victory over Tupfah Khumnorkaew.
The result gave India two match points from the opening round. Game points will serve as the primary tie-breaker if teams finish level on match points later in the 11-round event.
Women’s Section: India 4–0 Dominican Republic
The Indian women began their title defence in dominant fashion with a perfect score.
Koneru Humpy beat Franchesca Ramirez Luzon (White).
R Vaishali defeated Miguelina De La Rosa Martinez.
Vantika Agrawal overcame Mary Loly Gonzalez Peguero after a harder-fought battle.
B Savitha Shri (Olympiad debut) won against Karla Mya Nunez Diaz.
Tournament Context
The 46th Chess Olympiad is being held in Samarkand from mid-to-late September 2026 and features a record number of teams. Each team fields four players per match (from a squad of five), with a match win earning two points. India remains among the leading contenders in both sections as the competition progresses.
The opening round results provide a positive foundation for both Indian teams as they aim to defend their gold medals from Budapest 2024.