Several squads, including Team India, were left stranded upon arrival in Samarkand for the Chess Olympiad and were forced to rent rooms at their own expense after waiting for hours.
The International Chess Federation (FIDE) assured on Wednesday that it would compensate the teams affected by the accommodation crisis that left them stranded and forced them to rent rooms at their own expense upon their arrival for the Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
Team India and several other squads had to wait for hours when they arrived at Samarkand on Tuesday. Some players chose to share rooms or pay for accommodations from their own pockets.
FIDE issues apology to teams
FIDE released a statement about the situation, expressing deep regret. They also clarified that they had no authority over the arrangement of accommodations, saying that the responsibility fell within the local organising committee.
But the federation has assured additional financial resources to the teams impacted by the crisis, and they had to secure rooms at their own expense. FIDE will reimburse the accommodation’s cost of the appropriate standard ‘for a period of up to three days.’
“FIDE notes with deep regret that, during the first day of the 2026 FIDE Chess Olympiad, shortcomings in the accommodation arrangements left some teams without proper accommodation, forcing them to rent rooms in the city at their own expense.
More from Chess“Although accommodation matters fall within the remit of the local Organising Committee, and FIDE has no authority in this regard, FIDE nevertheless considers it its duty to assist the federations affected by this situation.
“Accordingly, FIDE has found additional financial resources and officially confirms that all teams which had to secure their own rooms will be reimbursed for the cost of accommodation of the appropriate standard, for a period of up to three days,” FIDE said in a statement.
FIDE also apologised to the affected federations and chess teams and stated that teams forced to stay in official hotels that do not meet the approved standards during the Olympiad would receive an additional compensatory payment.
India clinch 3-1 win over Thailand
India made an immediate impact in the 46th World Chess Olympiad, securing a 3-1 victory over Thailand on Wednesday. Nihal Sarin, Vidit Gujrathi and the reigning world champion D Gukesh sealed convincing victories.
Nihal defeated Thanadon Kulpruethanon, while Gukesh produced a commendable fight to beat Faris Rashid Alriyami. Vidit also sealed a win over Tupfah Khumnorkaew, helping India gain a major lead.
India, however, missed out on a clean sweep over Thailand due to Arjun Erigaisi’s late collapse against Prin Laohawirapap.