Javokhir Sindarov shared his thoughts on his popularity. Sindarov says he has been receiving more attention from countries outside Uzbekistan and notes that people recognize him on the streets of Tashkent.

Javokhir Sindarov

Javokhir Sindarov

Uzbek GM

“I receive more attention than I used to. People know me now not only in Uzbekistan, in Europe also, people started knowing me.

Maybe I became someone’s idol — I don’t know. There are a lot of things, but in my opinion, there is not a huge difference. Before, people also knew me, but now, of course, it’s different.

Do people recognize me on the streets of Tashkent? Yes, when I walk down the street, people tell their friends: ‘Look, this is Sindarov, I know him, he’s a chess player’.

I’m okay with that. I don’t want to change my rhythm because I became a chess player. I want to stay the same person.”

A significant rise in Javokhir Sindarov’s popularity began in November 2025 after his victory at the World Chess Cup. Sindarov became globally known after his record-breaking win at the FIDE Candidates Tournament 2026 without a single loss. At the end of 2026, Javokhir will play against Gukesh Dommaraju in the FIDE World Championship Match.

Credit: Michal Walusza / FIDE