The Hindu Editorial • September 30, 2026 • Read Original

That India came second to Uzbekistan in Chess Olympiad should not be dispiriting

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Analysis of editorial from The Hindu newspaper on September 30, 2026

Silver lining: on the Samarkand Chess Olympiad and India

That India came second to Uzbekistan in Chess Olympiad should not be dispiriting

Miscellaneous Chess OlympiadIndian ChessUzbekistanGaprindashvili TrophyD. GukeshB. Savitha Shri

Sentences

Sentence 1 of 21

English Original

When the Indian men finish as the runner-up and the women secure third place in one of the world’s biggest sporting events, it calls for celebration.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

When the Indian men finish as the

Whenever the Indian men’s chess team wins second place

Part 2

and the women third place

and the Indian women’s team achieves third position

Part 3

in one of the world’s biggest sporting events,

at a premier global tournament like the Chess Olympiad,

Part 4

it calls for celebration.

it is a proud moment that deserves to be celebrated.

Sentence 2 of 21

English Original

But, when the fact is that those performances did not quite live up to the expectations, it says a lot about the reputation India enjoys as a chess giant.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

But, when the fact is

However, the actual reality is

Part 2

that those performances did not quite the expectations,

that these finishes fell slightly short of what chess fans hoped for,

Part 3

which clearly demonstrates

Part 4

about the reputation India as a chess giant.

the immense international respect India holds as a dominant powerhouse in global chess.

Sentence 3 of 21

English Original

The Indians’ show at the Chess Olympiad, which concluded at Samarkand on Sunday, is no doubt commendable, as they retained the Gaprindashvili Trophy, awarded to the best country overall, and claimed six individual medals as well.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

The Indians’ show at the Chess Olympiad,

The overall performance of the Indian players at the Chess Olympiad,

Part 2

which at Samarkand on Sunday,

which came to an end in the Uzbek city of Samarkand on Sunday,

Part 3

is ,

is certainly worthy of strong praise,

Part 4

as they the Gaprindashvili Trophy,

because India successfully defended and kept the Gaprindashvili Trophy,

Part 5

awarded to the best country overall,

which is presented to the nation with the top combined performance in both open and women’s divisions,

Part 6

and six individual medals as well.

and Indian players also won six individual board medals.

Context and Background

Nona Gaprindashvili Trophy

The Nona Gaprindashvili Trophy is awarded by FIDE at each Chess Olympiad to the national federation achieving the best combined performance across both the Open and Women’s tournaments. Named after Georgia’s legendary fifth Women’s World Chess Champion, the trophy was retained by India at the 46th Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, marking India’s third consecutive triumph after winning it in Chennai (2022) and Budapest (2024).

Sentence 4 of 21

English Original

In a tournament in which more than 200 countries took part, that is no small feat.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

In a tournament in which more than 200 countries took part,

Considering that over two hundred nations competed in this event,

Part 2

that is .

winning overall runner-up and six individual medals is a major achievement.

Sentence 5 of 21

English Original

Still, for a nation that had won both the open and women’s titles two years ago in Budapest, the failure to defend even one is a bit of a disappointment.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Still, for a nation that had won both the and women’s titles two years ago in Budapest,

Even so, for a country like India that achieved historic gold in both open and women’s divisions in 2024,

Part 2

the failure to even one

not being able to retain either of those two championship titles

Part 3

is a disappointment.

leaves a slight feeling of sadness and unfulfilled hope.

Context and Background

Budapest 2024 Double Gold

At the 45th Chess Olympiad held in Budapest, Hungary, in September 2024, India created sporting history by winning gold medals in both the Open and Women’s categories. India became only the second nation, after the Soviet Union, to achieve a double gold sweep at a single Olympiad, establishing high expectations for defending those crowns at Samarkand in 2026.

Sentence 6 of 21

English Original

The Indian men were seeded second, while the women had the top billing.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

The Indian men were second,

The Indian men’s team was ranked number two in the tournament,

Part 2

while the women had the .

whereas the Indian women’s team entered the competition as the number one seed.

Sentence 7 of 21

English Original

So, the men played according to their ranking, as the host Uzbekistan, the only country that could challenge India when it comes to the depth of young chess talent, emerged as the champion.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

So, the men played according to their ranking,

Thus, the Indian men finished in line with their pre-tournament seed of second,

Part 2

as the host Uzbekistan,

while the tournament host nation, Uzbekistan,

Part 3

the only country that could India

which is the sole rival nation capable of competing on equal terms with India

Part 4

the of young chess talent,

in terms of having a large pool of world-class young grandmasters,

Part 5

as the champion.

came out on top to win the gold medal.

Context and Background

Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan has emerged as a dominant powerhouse in modern chess, powered by a prodigiously talented generation of young Grandmasters including Nodirbek Abdusattorov, Javokhir Sindarov, and Nodirbek Yakubboev. Coached by former FIDE World Champion Rustam Kasimdzhanov, Uzbekistan previously stunned the world by winning gold at the 2022 Chennai Olympiad and reaffirmed their supremacy by capturing gold on home soil at Samarkand in 2026.

Sentence 8 of 21

English Original

The clash between the two teams was the most anticipated one at the tournament, and it was always going to be crucial.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

The between the two teams

The head-to-head match between India and Uzbekistan

Part 2

was the most one at the tournament,

was the most eagerly awaited contest of the entire Olympiad,

Part 3

and it was always going to be .

everyone knew it would play a decisive role in determining the champion.

Sentence 9 of 21

English Original

So it proved.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

And that prediction turned out to be completely true.

Sentence 10 of 21

English Original

Uzbekistan beat India in the sixth round, moved into the sole position, and inched towards the gold; not even a shocking defeat to Germany mattered in the end.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Uzbekistan beat India in the sixth round,

Uzbekistan defeated India in their critical round six clash,

Part 2

moved into the position,

took the exclusive lead at the top of the standings,

Part 3

and the gold;

and gradually moved closer to claiming the gold medal;

Part 4

not even a shocking defeat to Germany

even an unexpected loss against Germany later in the tournament

Part 5

mattered .

did not prevent them from winning the title ultimately.

Sentence 11 of 21

English Original

The Indian women’s winning run had been stopped in the fifth round, by Poland.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

The Indian women’s

The unbroken streak of victories enjoyed by the Indian women’s team

Part 2

had been stopped in the fifth round,

was halted during round five of the event,

Part 3

by Poland.

at the hands of the Polish team.

Sentence 12 of 21

English Original

They had to fight hard then to win even bronze.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

They had to then

The Indian women then had to struggle and battle fiercely in subsequent rounds

Part 2

to win even .

just to ensure they secured at least the bronze medal.

Sentence 13 of 21

English Original

The Chinese women were the deserving winners, even though they had not fielded some of their best players.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

The Chinese women were the winners,

The Chinese women’s team fully earned their gold medal victory,

Part 2

even though they had not some of their best players.

despite competing without several of their top world-class grandmasters.

Context and Background

China

China has long been a powerhouse in women’s chess, having produced multiple World Champions including Hou Yifan, Ju Wenjun, and Tan Zhongyi. At the 46th Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, China captured their seventh women’s Olympiad gold medal with a dominant performance led by younger stars like Zhu Jiner and Lu Miaoyi, demonstrating the remarkable depth of their talent pipeline even in the absence of veteran stalwarts.

Sentence 14 of 21

English Original

That four Indian women— out of the five — won individual medals proves it was a fine team effort, and yet B. Savitha Shri stood out.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

That four Indian women

The fact that four female Indian players

Part 2

— out of the five —

(from the five-member squad)

Part 3

won individual medals

earned individual board medals for their high scores

Part 4

proves it was a fine team effort,

clearly shows that the bronze medal was achieved through excellent collective performance,

Part 5

and yet B. Savitha Shri stood out.

and even so, young B. Savitha Shri was the most remarkable and eye-catching performer.

Sentence 15 of 21

English Original

The Chennai teenager was making her Olympiad debut, coming in place of the vastly experienced D. Harika, who chose to stay away this time, and she was brilliant right through the event.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

The Chennai teenager was making her Olympiad ,

The young player from Chennai was playing in her very first Chess Olympiad,

Part 2

coming in place of the experienced D. Harika,

stepping in as a replacement for veteran Grandmaster D. Harika,

Part 3

who chose to this time,

who decided not to participate in this edition of the tournament,

Part 4

and she was brilliant the event.

and she delivered an outstanding performance from start to finish.

Context and Background

B. Savitha Shri and D. Harika

B. Savitha Shri (born 2007) is an Indian chess prodigy from Chennai who won the World Rapid bronze medal in 2022 at age 15. At the 2026 Samarkand Olympiad, she stepped in for Grandmaster Dronavalli Harika, India’s three-time Women’s World Championship bronze medalist, who had represented the nation in nine consecutive Olympiads since 2004 before opting out of this edition.

Sentence 16 of 21

English Original

Of her 10 games, she won eight and drew the other two.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Of her 10 games,

Out of the ten matches she played in the tournament,

Part 2

she won eight

she was victorious in eight games

Part 3

and the other two.

and tied the remaining two, remaining completely undefeated.

Sentence 17 of 21

English Original

Savitha deserves all the support she requires to make further progress on the chessboard.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Savitha all the support she requires

Savitha is fully worthy of receiving all the coaching and financial backing she needs

Part 2

to make further progress .

in order to continue improving and achieving success in competitive chess.

Sentence 18 of 21

English Original

Remember, India does not have the kind of bench strength in women’s chess that it possesses in the men’s game.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Remember,

One must keep in mind,

Part 2

India does not have the kind of in women’s chess

that India currently lacks a deep pool of world-class reserve players in women’s chess

Part 3

that it in the men’s game.

compared to the extraordinary depth of talent available in Indian men’s chess.

Sentence 19 of 21

English Original

D. Gukesh, though playing on the fourth board, could not have timed his individual silver better: after becoming the youngest World champion in history in 2024, he has had a tough time.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

D. Gukesh,

India’s reigning World Champion, D. Gukesh,

Part 2

though playing on the fourth ,

even though he competed on table four rather than board one,

Part 3

could not have timed his individual silver better:

secured his individual silver medal at the most opportune and helpful moment possible:

Part 4

after becoming the youngest in history in 2024,

because following his historic feat of winning the world title at age 18 in 2024,

Part 5

he has had .

he experienced a challenging phase of inconsistent results and loss of form.

Context and Background

Gukesh

In December 2024 in Singapore, 18-year-old Indian Grandmaster Dommaraju Gukesh defeated China’s Ding Liren to become the youngest undisputed World Chess Champion in history, breaking Garry Kasparov’s long-standing record set in 1985 at age 22. Following his monumental victory, Gukesh experienced a slump in form across several top-tier classical tournaments in 2025 and 2026.

Sentence 20 of 21

English Original

He is defending his crown against Uzbekistan’s Javokhir Sindarov in the match starting in Geneva on November 24.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

He is defending his crown

He will be protecting and defending his World Championship title

Part 2

against Uzbekistan’s Javokhir Sindarov

against Uzbek Grandmaster and Candidates winner Javokhir Sindarov

Part 3

in the starting in Geneva

in a multi-game championship series taking place in Geneva, Switzerland,

Part 4

on November 24.

which begins on November 24, 2026.

Context and Background

2026 World Chess Championship Match

The 2026 FIDE World Chess Championship match between defending champion D. Gukesh of India and challenger Javokhir Sindarov of Uzbekistan is scheduled in Geneva, Switzerland, from November 24 to December 12, 2026. Sindarov qualified by winning the 2026 Candidates Tournament, setting up the youngest World Championship match in history with both grandmasters aged 20.

Sentence 21 of 21

English Original

The Olympiad would only have helped him recover some of his confidence and persistence.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

The Olympiad would only have helped him

Playing in this Chess Olympiad would certainly have served as a constructive boost for him

Part 2

some of his confidence and .

to regain his self-belief, mental grit, and determination ahead of his upcoming world title defence.

Sentence 1 of 21

Sentences Breakdown

Editorial Summary

5-Point Summary

1 India finished with a silver medal in the open section and a bronze in the women’s section at the Chess Olympiad in Samarkand.
2 Although India failed to defend the double gold won two years ago in Budapest, retaining the Gaprindashvili Trophy for best overall nation proves its enduring global strength.
3 Host nation Uzbekistan emerged as champion in the men’s section after defeating India in a crucial sixth round encounter.
4 Chennai teenager B. Savitha Shri delivered an exceptional debut performance with eight wins and two draws to stand out among the women’s team.
5 D. Gukesh regained vital form and confidence by winning an individual silver ahead of his World Championship defence against Javokhir Sindarov.

Tone of the Editorial

Optimistic

Why this tone?

The editorial maintains an optimistic perspective on India’s performance at the Samarkand Chess Olympiad. Despite India failing to defend both titles won in Budapest, the author focuses on the positive silver linings, highlighting commendable feats such as retaining the Gaprindashvili Trophy, B. Savitha Shri’s stellar debut, and D. Gukesh recovering form ahead of his World Championship title defence.

Sentence 1 of 21

When the Indian men finish as the runner-up and the women secure third place in one of the world’s biggest sporting events, it calls for celebration.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

When the Indian men finish as the runner-up

Whenever the Indian men’s chess team wins second place

Part 2

and the women secure third place

and the Indian women’s team achieves third position

Part 3

in one of the world’s biggest sporting events,

at a premier global tournament like the Chess Olympiad,

Part 4

it calls for celebration.

it is a proud moment that deserves to be celebrated.

Sentence 2 of 21

But, when the fact is that those performances did not quite live up to the expectations, it says a lot about the reputation India enjoys as a chess giant.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

But, when the fact is

However, the actual reality is

Part 2

that those performances did not quite live up to the expectations,

that these finishes fell slightly short of what chess fans hoped for,

Part 3

it says a lot

which clearly demonstrates

Part 4

about the reputation India enjoys as a chess giant.

the immense international respect India holds as a dominant powerhouse in global chess.

Sentence 3 of 21

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

The Indians’ show at the Chess Olympiad,

The overall performance of the Indian players at the Chess Olympiad,

Part 2

which concluded at Samarkand on Sunday,

which came to an end in the Uzbek city of Samarkand on Sunday,

Part 3

is no doubt commendable,

is certainly worthy of strong praise,

Part 4

as they retained the Gaprindashvili Trophy,

because India successfully defended and kept the Gaprindashvili Trophy,

Part 5

awarded to the best country overall,

which is presented to the nation with the top combined performance in both open and women’s divisions,

Part 6

and claimed six individual medals as well.

and Indian players also won six individual board medals.

Sentence 4 of 21

In a tournament in which more than 200 countries took part, that is no small feat.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

In a tournament in which more than 200 countries took part,

Considering that over two hundred nations competed in this event,

Part 2

that is no small feat.

winning overall runner-up and six individual medals is a major achievement.

Sentence 5 of 21

Still, for a nation that had won both the open and women’s titles two years ago in Budapest, the failure to defend even one is a bit of a disappointment.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Still, for a nation that had won both the open and women’s titles two years ago in Budapest,

Even so, for a country like India that achieved historic gold in both open and women’s divisions in 2024,

Part 2

the failure to defend even one

not being able to retain either of those two championship titles

Part 3

is a bit of a disappointment.

leaves a slight feeling of sadness and unfulfilled hope.

Sentence 6 of 21

The Indian men were seeded second, while the women had the top billing.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

The Indian men were seeded second,

The Indian men’s team was ranked number two in the tournament,

Part 2

while the women had the top billing.

whereas the Indian women’s team entered the competition as the number one seed.

Sentence 7 of 21

So, the men played according to their ranking, as the host Uzbekistan, the only country that could challenge India when it comes to the depth of young chess talent, emerged as the champion.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

So, the men played according to their ranking,

Thus, the Indian men finished in line with their pre-tournament seed of second,

Part 2

as the host Uzbekistan,

while the tournament host nation, Uzbekistan,

Part 3

the only country that could challenge India

which is the sole rival nation capable of competing on equal terms with India

Part 4

when it comes to the depth of young chess talent,

in terms of having a large pool of world-class young grandmasters,

Part 5

emerged as the champion.

came out on top to win the gold medal.

Sentence 8 of 21

The clash between the two teams was the most anticipated one at the tournament, and it was always going to be crucial.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

The clash between the two teams

The head-to-head match between India and Uzbekistan

Part 2

was the most anticipated one at the tournament,

was the most eagerly awaited contest of the entire Olympiad,

Part 3

and it was always going to be crucial.

everyone knew it would play a decisive role in determining the champion.

Sentence 9 of 21

So it proved.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

So it proved.

And that prediction turned out to be completely true.

Sentence 10 of 21

Uzbekistan beat India in the sixth round, moved into the sole position, and inched towards the gold; not even a shocking defeat to Germany mattered in the end.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Uzbekistan beat India in the sixth round,

Uzbekistan defeated India in their critical round six clash,

Part 2

moved into the sole position,

took the exclusive lead at the top of the standings,

Part 3

and inched towards the gold;

and gradually moved closer to claiming the gold medal;

Part 4

not even a shocking defeat to Germany

even an unexpected loss against Germany later in the tournament

Part 5

mattered in the end.

did not prevent them from winning the title ultimately.

Sentence 11 of 21

The Indian women’s winning run had been stopped in the fifth round, by Poland.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

The Indian women’s winning run

The unbroken streak of victories enjoyed by the Indian women’s team

Part 2

had been stopped in the fifth round,

was halted during round five of the event,

Part 3

by Poland.

at the hands of the Polish team.

Sentence 12 of 21

They had to fight hard then to win even bronze.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

They had to fight hard then

The Indian women then had to struggle and battle fiercely in subsequent rounds

Part 2

to win even bronze.

just to ensure they secured at least the bronze medal.

Sentence 13 of 21

The Chinese women were the deserving winners, even though they had not fielded some of their best players.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

The Chinese women were the deserving winners,

The Chinese women’s team fully earned their gold medal victory,

Part 2

even though they had not fielded some of their best players.

despite competing without several of their top world-class grandmasters.

Sentence 14 of 21

That four Indian women— out of the five — won individual medals proves it was a fine team effort, and yet B. Savitha Shri stood out.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

That four Indian women

The fact that four female Indian players

Part 2

— out of the five —

(from the five-member squad)

Part 3

won individual medals

earned individual board medals for their high scores

Part 4

proves it was a fine team effort,

clearly shows that the bronze medal was achieved through excellent collective performance,

Part 5

and yet B. Savitha Shri stood out.

and even so, young B. Savitha Shri was the most remarkable and eye-catching performer.

Sentence 15 of 21

The Chennai teenager was making her Olympiad debut, coming in place of the vastly experienced D. Harika, who chose to stay away this time, and she was brilliant right through the event.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

The Chennai teenager was making her Olympiad debut,

The young player from Chennai was playing in her very first Chess Olympiad,

Part 2

coming in place of the vastly experienced D. Harika,

stepping in as a replacement for veteran Grandmaster D. Harika,

Part 3

who chose to stay away this time,

who decided not to participate in this edition of the tournament,

Part 4

and she was brilliant right through the event.

and she delivered an outstanding performance from start to finish.

Sentence 16 of 21

Of her 10 games, she won eight and drew the other two.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Of her 10 games,

Out of the ten matches she played in the tournament,

Part 2

she won eight

she was victorious in eight games

Part 3

and drew the other two.

and tied the remaining two, remaining completely undefeated.

Sentence 17 of 21

Savitha deserves all the support she requires to make further progress on the chessboard.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Savitha deserves all the support she requires

Savitha is fully worthy of receiving all the coaching and financial backing she needs

Part 2

to make further progress on the chessboard.

in order to continue improving and achieving success in competitive chess.

Sentence 18 of 21

Remember, India does not have the kind of bench strength in women’s chess that it possesses in the men’s game.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

Remember,

One must keep in mind,

Part 2

India does not have the kind of bench strength in women’s chess

that India currently lacks a deep pool of world-class reserve players in women’s chess

Part 3

that it possesses in the men’s game.

compared to the extraordinary depth of talent available in Indian men’s chess.

Sentence 19 of 21

D. Gukesh, though playing on the fourth board, could not have timed his individual silver better: after becoming the youngest World champion in history in 2024, he has had a tough time.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

D. Gukesh,

India’s reigning World Champion, D. Gukesh,

Part 2

though playing on the fourth board,

even though he competed on table four rather than board one,

Part 3

could not have timed his individual silver better:

secured his individual silver medal at the most opportune and helpful moment possible:

Part 4

after becoming the youngest World champion in history in 2024,

because following his historic feat of winning the world title at age 18 in 2024,

Part 5

he has had a tough time.

he experienced a challenging phase of inconsistent results and loss of form.

Sentence 20 of 21

He is defending his crown against Uzbekistan’s Javokhir Sindarov in the match starting in Geneva on November 24.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

He is defending his crown

He will be protecting and defending his World Championship title

Part 2

against Uzbekistan’s Javokhir Sindarov

against Uzbek Grandmaster and Candidates winner Javokhir Sindarov

Part 3

in the match starting in Geneva

in a multi-game championship series taking place in Geneva, Switzerland,

Part 4

on November 24.

which begins on November 24, 2026.

Sentence 21 of 21

The Olympiad would only have helped him recover some of his confidence and persistence.

Sentence Breakdown

Part 1

The Olympiad would only have helped him

Playing in this Chess Olympiad would certainly have served as a constructive boost for him

Part 2

recover some of his confidence and persistence.

to regain his self-belief, mental grit, and determination ahead of his upcoming world title defence.

Reading Comprehension

Practice questions based on this editorial

Reading Comprehension - Samarkand Chess Olympiad and India

Practice reading comprehension questions based on the editorial about India's performance at the Samarkand Chess Olympiad.

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