Gukesh Dommaraju explained why he plays on board 4 for Team India at the Chess Olympiad 2026. Gukesh says that it was his decision. He notes that the current placement of players gives the team the best chances of winning. Gukesh spoke about it in an interview with FIDE.

Gukesh Dommaraju

Gukesh Dommaraju

Reigning World Champion

“It’s pretty clear that Pragg and Arjun have been in really good shape. Also, the rating says the same.

It was my idea. And also, the whole team, we all thought the same, that this is the order that gives us the best chance of winning the tournament.

And about the look of the World Champion playing on board four. If the team needs it, I would even rest all the games. We are here playing for India and there’s no player bigger than the country.

So, I’m just happy to do whatever it takes for the team to do well.”

The Chess Olympiad 2026 takes place from September 16 to 27 in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. Gukesh Dommaraju is on -0.7 Classical points after 3 rounds of the event.

Credit: Michal Walusza / FIDE