Viswanathan Anand believes Uzbekistan will be a main challenger at the 2026 Chess Olympiad. On June 24, 2026, Anand said India's depth and momentum make them a team to beat.
What happened?
Anand was speaking during a special Sports Journalists’ Federation of India medal presentation event, where he was honored. He discussed the demands on modern players, including travel, training, and tournament schedules.
Why it matters for Viswanathan Anand
The 2026 Chess Olympiad will feature a strong Indian team, with players like Gukesh and Vaishali. Anand said Gukesh's World Championship match against Javokhir Sindarov adds a fresh individual edge to the India-Uzbekistan rivalry.
What comes next?
Anand advised Gukesh to focus on playing strong chess, rather than getting caught up in the noise around being world champion. He said becoming world champion at 18 is a big change in life, and Gukesh needs to block out other things and play good chess again.
Anand also discussed Vaishali's chances against Ju Wenjun in the World Championship match. He said Vaishali's rise as challenger is an important moment for Indian women's chess, and her chances are quite reasonable.
On June 24, 2026, Anand said Ju Wenjun remains a formidable opponent, but motivation could become a factor. He noted that it will be harder for Ju Wenjun to motivate herself, having been world champion for six or seven years.
The India-Uzbekistan rivalry is expected to be a key aspect of the 2026 Chess Olympiad. Anand's comments provide insight into the challenges and opportunities facing Indian players, including Gukesh and Vaishali.
Anand's experience and expertise make him a valuable commentator on the world of chess. His thoughts on the 2026 Chess Olympiad and the India-Uzbekistan rivalry are likely to be closely followed by chess fans around the world.
The 2026 Chess Olympiad is scheduled to take place, with India and Uzbekistan expected to be among the top contenders. Anand's predictions and analysis will be closely watched as the tournament approaches.