SAMARKAND, UZBEKISTAN — As the global chess community counts down to the 46th Chess Olympiad, the International Chess Federation (FIDE) has officially launched the core training operations for the Olympiad Training Support Program 2026. Designed to bridge the technical gap for developing chess nations, the program provides elite coaching infrastructure to over 100 eligible federations across Africa, Asia, the Americas, and Oceania.
A Structured Two-Phase Blueprint for Success
To ensure teams arrive in Samarkand fully equipped for grueling international team-match play, the program delivers a comprehensive, dual-layer preparation model:
- The Online Prep Phase: Commenced on August 1, 2026, each participating national squad receives up to 10 hours of intensive, direct training from elite coaches chosen by the FIDE Trainers’ Commission (TRG).
- The On-Site Combat Phase: During the tournament in Samarkand, FIDE provides co-financing to cover the presence of assigned professional trainers who serve directly as Team Captains on the tournament floor.
Cultivating Deep Global Competitive Depth
“Over past editions, the Olympiad Training Support Program has proven to be an impactful and widely appreciated initiative,” stated FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich. “It demonstrates FIDE’s commitment to supporting developing federations and ensuring that players have access to professional preparation.”
Timur Turlov, CEO of Freedom Holding Corp., echoed this vision, emphasizing that investing in grassroots development creates a more inclusive global arena. “Access to high-quality training and professional guidance helps unlock talent in regions where opportunities may be limited,” Turlov noted.
Tracking the Impact
The program targets a diverse group of emerging chess territories, ranging from level 4 federations like Nepal, Japan, and Haiti, to level 5 nations including Tanzania, Bhutan, and Ghana. Training assignments were finalized in late July, allowing captains and squads to coordinate opening novelties and team strategies directly ahead of the first round.
