SAMARKAND (Kashmir English): Pakistan boycotted its match against Israel in the opening round of the 46th FIDE Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, on Wednesday due to the country’s policy towards Israel.
President Chess Federation of Pakistan (CFP), Syed Zeeshan Ali Naqvi, said that Pakistan has a clear state policy regarding Israel. “We cannot play against Israel in accordance with the state policy,” he said.
Naqvi added that Pakistan is not playing the match as a gesture of solidarity with Palestine and its people.
He added that Pakistan’s participation in international sporting events would continue, but the federation would respect the Pakistani government’s official position on Israel.
The 46th FIDE World Chess Olympiad is being held in Samarkand from September 15 to 27, and features separate open and women’s competitions, with more than 390 teams registered from across the globe.
