Javokhir Sindarov shared his thoughts on Nodirbek Abdusattorov. Sindarov says that he grew up with Nodirbek and always looked up to him. Javokhir notes that the goal to play at a similar level to Abdusattorov motivates him.

Javokhir Sindarov

Javokhir Sindarov

World's No. 4

“Abdusattorov is a friend who I will always compare myself to in a lot of things. We grew up together, and sometimes he always had a higher rating than me, but I’m always close to him. Because of his age, he always wants to be a little bit better.

I remember talking with Mukhiddin when I had a higher rating than Abdusattorov. I only became higher-rated than him after a few tournaments, probably after the Candidates.

He’s really very strong, and because of him, I think I also became a very strong chess player. I will always try to be close to him, and it gives me a lot of motivation.”

Javokhir Sindarov and Nodirbek Abdusattorov are World’s No. 4 and No. 7 respectively. Sindarov and Abdusattorov play together for the Uzbekistan team at the Chess Olympiad 2026. Uzbekistan is in 1st place with 12 points after 6 days of the event.

Credit: Michal Walusza / FIDE