‘Chess diplomacy, literally’: AICF chief on PM Modi hands over World Cup results of Javokhir Sindarov to Uzbek prez

Prime Minister Modi handed over Javokhir Sindarov’s World Cup score sheet to Uzbekistan’s Prez Prime Minister Narendra Modi used chess as a unique diplomatic gesture during his visit to Uzbekistan, gifting President Shavkat Mirziyoyev an original handwritten record of Uzbekistan Grandmaster Javokhir Sindarov’s 2025 FIDE World Cup Goa final victory.The scorecard was presented in a leatherette cover along with a photo of Sindarov holding the World Cup trophy with the Uzbek flag around his shoulders.Sindarov’s World Cup win earned him a spot in the Candidates tournament, which he later won to set up a World Cup match with India’s D Gukesh in Geneva later this year.All India Chess Federation (AICF) chief Nitin Narang called the gesture an example of “chess diplomacy” and highlighted how a simple record of moves became part of a much bigger India-Uzbekistan story.“The scoreboard records the moves on the chessboard. Sometimes it becomes part of a much bigger story. From Sindar’s historic World Cup triumph in Goa to being a gift from Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to the President of Uzbekistan… chess has an amazing way of bringing people and nations together. Chess diplomacy, literally,” Narang wrote on X.

The chess rivalry between India and Uzbekistan is growing

India and Uzbekistan are emerging as two of the strongest chess nations, with both countries boasting a talented generation of young grandmasters.India’s leading youngsters include Gukesh, Praggnanandhaa, Arjun Erigaisi, Vaishali and Divya Deshmukh, while Sindarov and Nodirbek Abdusattorov hold the baton for Uzbekistan.Uzbekistan will host the 46th Chess Olympiad in Samarkand from September 15 to 27.The gold medals will be defended by Indian teams, Uzbekistan is expected to be among their biggest rivals.During his two-day visit to Tashkent, Modi also presented Mirziyoyev with traditional Indian gifts, including Shata Tantri Veena sandalwood and premium Kangra tea.Meanwhile, Mirziyoyev awarded Modi with Uzbekistan’s highest state award, the Order of Oliy Darajali Do’stlik.