FIDE opens applications for 2026 Olympiad preparation support

The International Chess Federation, FIDE, has announced that applications are now open for the Olympiad Training Support Program ahead of the 46th Chess Olympiad, which will be held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, in 2026. In recent years, the program has become an important preparation tool especially for developing chess nations, and the positive feedback from participating federations has made it one of FIDE’s standout development initiatives. The 2026 edition will be delivered in an even stronger format through cooperation between FIDE and Freedom Holding Corp..

According to FIDE, more than 100 federations from the organization’s development levels 3, 4, and 5 will be eligible to apply this year. The program will provide participating countries with a structured two-phase preparation process. This framework goes beyond opening preparation or individual study alone; it points to a broader training environment designed to help teams arrive at the Olympiad in better shape through team-match strategy, coaching support, professional guidance, and more systematic preparation for the demands of a long international team event.

FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich stressed that previous editions had clearly demonstrated the impact of the program, noting that the initiative provides tangible support to developing federations. His remarks also underline FIDE’s wider ambition: not only to promote elite chess, but also to strengthen competitive depth across the global chess landscape. In major events such as the Chess Olympiad, the level of preparation can be decisive, especially in lower-board results and overall team cohesion; for that reason, professional training support represents not just technical help, but a structural investment for many nations.

Freedom Holding Corp. CEO Timur Turlov added that supporting developing chess federations is an investment in the future of the game. Indeed, in regions where access to high-quality training is limited, programs like this can accelerate the emergence of talented players onto the international stage. On the road to Samarkand 2026, this support package is expected to help create a more inclusive and more balanced Olympiad environment. In short, FIDE aims to ensure that not only established powerhouses, but also federations with growth potential, gain greater visibility in world chess.