Defending champions India saw their title defence officially come to an end after being held to a 2.0–2.0 draw by Hungary in the 11th and final round of the 2026 Chess Olympiad in Samarkand on Sunday. The result confirmed hosts and pre-tournament favourites Uzbekistan as gold medallists.

The triumph marks a repeat of Uzbekistan’s historic 2022 feat, crowning them champions once again. While the hosts are still locked in their final fixture against Ukraine, leading 1.5–0.5 with two games remaining, India’s dropped point guarantees that no team can catch Uzbekistan at the top of the table.

India, who finish their campaign with 18 match points from 11 rounds, remain front-runners for the silver medal, though they await the conclusion of other top-table clashes for mathematical confirmation.

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In a dramatic final-day twist, World Champion D Gukesh, who had been India’s standout performer in Samarkand, suffered a shock defeat on Board 4 to Gleb Dudin. However, Arjun Erigaisi, rebounding from a lukewarm tournament, rose to the occasion on Board 2 to down veteran Peter Leko and rescue a match point for the side.

On the remaining boards, R Praggnanandhaa, wielding the white pieces, split the point with Richard Rapport on Board 1, while Nihal Sarin held Benjamin Gledura to a draw with White on Board 3.

More to follow…