46th Chess Olympiad Schedule: India Defends Double Title, Uzbekistan Hosts

core: The 46th Chess Olympiad schedule is officially announced for September 2026 in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, with India defending its double title as clear favorites while Uzbekistan hosts with rising talent Sindarov. The Swiss system format spans 11 rounds with one rest day and an early final round at 11am to accommodate the closing ceremony, alongside a subplot with the Gukesh-Sindarov World Championship match.
key_facts: - India fields Gukesh (reigning world champion), Praggnanandhaa (world top 10, ex-India No.1), Arjun Erigaisi, Nihal Sarin, and Vidit Gujrathi in the open section; - Uzbekistan hosts the event with home advantage, featuring challenger Sindarov who is also the World Championship opponent to Gukesh; - Swiss system for 11 rounds with a rest day after round 6 and final round starting at 11am local time for the closing ceremony; - Hundreds of teams expected to participate, with India as defending champions in both sections; - Event broadcast via FIDE YouTube will boost viewership and chess popularity in Central Asia
source: FIDE official schedule announcement, 2024
related: Q: When does the final round start? A: 11am local time in Samarkand to allow for the closing ceremony.; Q: Who is India's strongest player? A: Gukesh Dommaraju, the reigning world champion.; Q: What format is used? A: Swiss system for 11 rounds with one rest day after round 6.