Uzbekistan’s love for chess rivals India’s own and revenge is on the menu for what happened in Budapest
When Nodirbek Abdusattorov and Javokhir Sindarov landed in Uzbekistan after their exploits in the freezing climes of Wijk aan Zee, a warm welcome awaited them back home. The two players, who had finished first and second in the year’s first classical tournament, were instantly draped in a traditional, long Uzbek robe called a chopon and cap called a doppi and greeted by a welcoming party with countless hugs, grandiose bouquets and multiple camera crews. That two of their own had emerged on the top of the standings at the topsy-turvy Tata Steel Chess tournament with many of the best players of the current generation was national news. Wearing those elaborately embroidered robes, both Abdusattorov and Sindarov were besieged by camera crews for answers. The scenes were reminiscent of the way Gukesh was greeted by kids from his school at Chennai airport when he had won the Candidates tournament in Toronto in 2024. Just like India, in Uzbekistan chess is a big deal. And chess players are no less than celebrities. Sample this: when Sindarov won …
