The ancient city of Samarkand in Uzbekistan is gearing up to host the 2023 FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Championships from December 26 to 30. This global chess tournament will bring together top players from around the world to compete for the titles of World Rapid and Blitz Champions in both Open and Women's categories.
The decision to hold this prestigious event in Samarkand reflects Uzbekistan's growing prominence in the world of chess. The FIDE (Fédération Internationale des Échecs) President, Arkady Dvorkovich, praised Uzbekistan's commitment to chess and its emergence as a formidable player in the sport.
This championship also serves as preparation for Uzbekistan's upcoming hosting of the 2026 Chess Olympiad. The country's achievements in recent years include strong performances in international chess competitions and notable successes such as winning the 2022 Chess Olympiad.
Uzbekistan has four players ranked in the world's top 100, with Nodirbek Abdusattorov standing out as the youngest to claim the World Rapid Champion title at the age of 17 in 2021.
The FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Championships in Samarkand will not only be a showcase of top-tier chess but also an opportunity to celebrate the city's historical ties to the game. This event further cements Uzbekistan's position as a prominent host for international chess competitions.
Samarkand, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities globally and historically linked to the Silk Road, holds special significance for chess. It's where archaeologists unearthed some of the earliest known chess pieces in 1977, dating back to the 6th to 8th centuries AD.
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