‘Nothing against sportsmanship’: Pakistan explains decision to boycott Israel at Chess Olympiad

Pakistan opts not to field a team against Israel (Screengrabs from GyanMaster and ChessBase India) Pakistan on Wednesday refused to play Israel in the opening round of the 46th FIDE World Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, giving Israel a 4-0 win.Pakistan did not field any players for the scheduled match so all four boards were not played.The Pakistan Chess Federation (CFP) said the decision followed the Pakistani government’s policy towards Israel and was also meant to show solidarity with the Palestinians.

Pakistan cites state policy

Gauhar Iqbal, Secretary General of the Pakistan Chess Federation, explained that the decision was based on Pakistan’s official position and not the players involved.“It was very clear that if we don’t recognize the state, how can we play or engage with that state? It’s state policy and we have to follow the state because we are here to represent Pakistan and we have to follow Pakistan’s policy,” Gauhar Iqbal, Secretary General of the Pakistan Chess Federation, told ChessBase India on why Pakistan decided against hosting Chess Olympia2012 Israel in the Chess2026 round.“So here we are. It’s nothing against any player. It’s nothing against any sportsmanship. It’s against state policy and that’s what we followed.”

Pakistan to continue international participation

CFP President Syed Zeeshan Naqvi also said that the aim of the boycott is to express support for the Palestinian people. “We boycotted the match to show solidarity with the Palestinian people,” Naqvi said.Naqvi said Pakistan will continue to participate in international sporting events, following the government’s official stance on Israel.The Pakistan-Israel match was part of the opening round of the biennial Chess Olympiad. With Pakistan not involved, Israel won 4-0 without a single move.From September 15 to 27, Samarkand hosts the Chess Olympiad, with separate open and women’s competitions.More than 390 teams are participating in two sections. The event brings together national teams from all over the world and is one of the biggest tournaments on the international chess calendar.