18/09/2026
🇫🇯♟️ TEAM FIJI UPDATE FROM SAMARKAND! 🇺🇿
The 46th FIDE World Chess Olympiad is officially underway, and it has been an incredible experience having Fiji here among nearly 400 teams from around the world.
Our teams have already had some memorable moments.
Round 1: Both teams faced higher-rated opposition, with our Open Team playing Malaysia and the Women’s Team facing Croatia. Our players fought hard, with all games lasting over three hours. Our players showed great determination and fighting spirit throughout.
Round 2: The Women’s Team bounced back brilliantly with a 4-0 victory over Comoros Islands!
Our Open Team also fought hard against Puerto Rico, going down 3-1. A special highlight was Yash Maharaj’s win on Board 4 against higher-rated Joshua Pedrosa, earning a valuable point for Fiji.
Today, we head into Round 3, with the Open Team facing Niger and the Women’s Team taking on Uganda.
There are 11 rounds in total, so the journey is only just beginning!
We’re sharing some photos from the fantastic opening ceremony and team photos taken before Rounds 1 and 2. It’s a special feeling seeing our players proudly representing Fiji on this world stage.
To everyone following, supporting and cheering for our team, vinaka vakalevu. Your messages and support mean a lot to the players and officials.
Let’s go Team Fiji! 🇫🇯♟️
