Prime Minister Narendra Modi used chess as a novel diplomatic gesture throughout his go to to Uzbekistan, gifting President Shavkat Mirziyoyev the unique handwritten scoresheet from Uzbek Grandmaster Javokhir Sindarov’s 2025 FIDE World Cup closing victory in Goa.The scoresheet was offered in a leatherette cowl together with {a photograph} of Sindarov holding the World Cup trophy with the Uzbek flag round his shoulders.Sindarov’s World Cup victory earned him a spot within the Candidates event, which he later received to arrange a World Championship showdown with India’s D Gukesh in Geneva later this 12 months.Calling the gesture an instance of “Chess diplomacy”, All India Chess Federation (AICF) chief Nitin Narang highlighted how a easy report of strikes had change into a part of a a lot greater India-Uzbekistan story.“A scoresheet data the strikes on a chessboard. Generally, it turns into a part of a a lot greater story. From Sindarov’s historic World Cup triumph in Goa to turning into a present from Hon’ble PM Shri Narendra Modi to the President of Uzbekistan… chess has an exquisite manner of connecting individuals and nations. Chess diplomacy, fairly actually,” Narang wrote on X.
India-Uzbekistan chess rivalry grows
India and Uzbekistan are rising as two of the strongest chess nations, with each nations boasting a proficient technology of younger Grandmasters.India’s main youngseters embrace Gukesh, Praggnanandhaa, Arjun Erigaisi, Vaishali and Divya Deshmukh, whereas Sindarov and Nodirbek Abdusattorov maintain Uzbekistan’s baton.Uzbekistan will host the forty sixth Chess Olympiad in Samarkand from September 15 to 27.India’s groups will defend their gold medals, whereas Uzbekistan are anticipated to be amongst their greatest rivals.Throughout his two-day go to to Tashkent, Modi additionally offered Mirziyoyev with conventional Indian presents, together with a sandalwood Shata Tantri Veena and premium Kangra tea.Mirziyoyev, in the meantime, honoured Modi with Uzbekistan’s highest state award, the Order of Oliy Darajali Do’stlik.
