'Having a terrible experience': India captain Narayanan slams Chess Olympiad
India's chess team captain Srinath Narayanan has publicly criticized the accommodation arrangements at the 2026 FIDE Chess Olympiad in Samarkand. The team faced significant delays in room allotment upon arrival, raising concerns about the organizers' preparedness for the event.
Why it matters
Logistical failures at major international sporting events can impact athlete performance and reflect poorly on the host nation's organizational capabilities.
India’s title defence at the 2026 FIDE Chess Olympiad has begun on an uncomfortable note, with team captain Srinath Narayanan publicly expressing his frustration over the accommodation arrangements in Samarkand.India head into the tournament with considerable expectations after producing a historic performance at the 2024 Chess Olympiad in Budapest. The Indian Open team won gold in Budapest, while the women's team also claimed the top prize, giving India a memorable double triumph.The 2026 squad again boasts some of the biggest names in world chess.
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