~ The historic city of Samarkand welcomed the chess world with a spectacular ceremony blending history, art and chess, setting the stage for one of the strongest tournaments ever.
"VAN" (Sports Desk - 04.09.2025) :: The ceremony started with a short video that took the audience on a journey in time, from the archaeological discoveries of 7th-century Afrasiab to the present day. The carefully crafted narrative began in darkness, with a golden beam of light revealing ancient chess pieces discovered on the historic hill of Afrasiab – evidence that chess had flourished in these lands for over thirteen centuries.
The video was followed by choreographic elements that reflected the tournament’s theme, featuring contemporary dance with mirrored figures and geometric formations, reminiscent of chess squares.
Then came the formal part of the ceremony, with officials taking centre stage.
The first to speak was the Director of the Youth Affairs Agency and First Deputy Chairman of the Chess Federation of Uzbekistan, Alisher Sadullaev, who emphasised the tournament’s importance for chess development in the region.
“In the past year Uzbekistan has been engaged in organising a large number of chess competitions thanks to the support of the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev. Samarkand has been made into a global chess arena. We hosted the 2023 World Rapid and Blitz. Next year we are hosting the Chess Olympiad, and it will be a huge event for the world,” Sadullaev said.
FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich thanked the Uzbekistan government and the country’s chess federation for their support in organising this event and for investment in chess in general.
“The steps taken over the past 15 years have led to the creation of a great generation which is representing Uzbekistan today. This is a clear signal to all other countries in terms of what needs to be done if you want to be in the top of the chess world,” Dvorkovich said.
“This is an exciting journey which is starting in Uzbekistan, bringing excitement to fans all over the world. I wish you all the best of luck,” the FIDE President concluded.
Hokim of Samarkand region, Adiz Boboev pointed out how Samarkand and, indeed, Uzbekistan, has become one of the most prominent organisers of international sports events. “Samarkand has become one of the centres of international sports. Just in the past year we have had the World Triathlon Cup and Para Triathlon Cup, the Asian Judo Championship and other international forums”.
Boboev noted that “the sports sector has been identified as a priority area of the state policy in our country” and that further investments are coming, including the 2026 chess Olympiad which will take place in Uzbekistan.
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