Prime Minister Narendra Modi has used a unique chess moment to strengthen India Uzbekistan ties. During his visit to Uzbekistan, PM Modi gifted President Shavkat Mirziyoyev the original handwritten scoresheet from Uzbek Grandmaster Javokhir Sindarov historic victory in the 2025 FIDE World Cup final in Goa. The scoresheet, kept in a leatherette cover, records the moves from Sindarov winning game. It was also presented with a photograph of Sindarov holding the World Cup trophy with the Uzbek flag around his shoulders.
The gift has special meaning because the 2025 World Cup was held in India, while Sindarov victory helped him qualify for the Candidates Tournament. He later won the Candidates and earned the chance to face India D Gukesh in the upcoming World Championship match in Geneva.
All India Chess Federation (AICF) chief Nitin Narang called the gesture chess diplomacy, saying that a simple record of chess moves had become part of a much bigger story between India and Uzbekistan. India and Uzbekistan are now among the strongest chess nations, with several young Grandmasters. Uzbekistan will also host the 46th Chess Olympiad in Samarkand from September 15 to 27, where India will defend its gold medals.
