Prime Minister Narendra Modi used chess as a unique diplomatic gesture during his visit to Uzbekistan, gifting President Shavkat Mirziyoyev the original handwritten scoresheet from Uzbek Grandmaster Javokhir Sindarov’s 2025 FIDE World Cup final victory in Goa.The scoresheet was presented in a leatherette cover along with a photograph of Sindarov holding the World Cup trophy with the Uzbek flag around his shoulders.Sindarov’s World Cup victory earned him a place in the Candidates tournament, which he later won to set up a World Championship showdown with India’s D Gukesh in Geneva later this year.Calling the gesture an example of “Chess diplomacy”, All India Chess Federation (AICF) chief Nitin Narang highlighted how a simple record of moves had become part of a much bigger India-Uzbekistan story.“A scoresheet records the moves on a chessboard. Sometimes, it becomes part of a much bigger story. From Sindarov’s historic World Cup triumph in Goa to becoming a gift from Hon’ble PM Shri Narendra Modi to the President of Uzbekistan… chess has a wonderful way of connecting people and nations. Chess diplomacy, quite literally,” Narang wrote on X.
India-Uzbekistan chess rivalry grows
India and Uzbekistan are emerging as two of the strongest chess nations, with both countries boasting a talented generation of young Grandmasters.India’s leading youngseters include Gukesh, Praggnanandhaa, Arjun Erigaisi, Vaishali and Divya Deshmukh, while Sindarov and Nodirbek Abdusattorov hold Uzbekistan’s baton.Uzbekistan will host the 46th Chess Olympiad in Samarkand from September 15 to 27.India’s teams will defend their gold medals, while Uzbekistan are expected to be among their biggest rivals.During his two-day visit to Tashkent, Modi also presented Mirziyoyev with traditional Indian gifts, including a sandalwood Shata Tantri Veena and premium Kangra tea.Mirziyoyev, meanwhile, honoured Modi with Uzbekistan’s highest state award, the Order of Oliy Darajali Do’stlik.
