Pakistan does not play its opening match against Israel at the FIDE World Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, resulting in a 4-0 default victory for Israel in the Open section. All four scheduled boards in the pairing are left unplayed, according to tournament records.
Outlets attribute Pakistan’s decision to its stated political stance and policy on Israel. The Chess Federation of Pakistan says the boycott is consistent with Pakistan’s non-recognition of Israel and is meant to express solidarity with Palestinians. Times of India describes the move as reflecting Pakistan’s political position, while the Free Press Journal reports that Pakistan does not field any player for the match.
Both accounts indicate the boycott is limited to the Israel fixture. Pakistan remains eligible to take part in subsequent rounds of the Olympiad, which runs from September 15 to 27 and features separate Open and Women’s sections.
