Nodirbek Abdusattorov spoke about his personal principles in an interview with the Lolazor Podcast and Xushnudbek Xudoyberdiyev. Abdusattorov states that he is against visiting Israel. Nodirbek notes that he is proud he did not go to the FIDE World Team Chess Championship 2022.

Nodirbek Abdusattorov

Nodirbek Abdusattorov

World's No. 5

“There were invitations from Israel, to a tournament. I flatly refused. I’d refuse now too, because I have a firm, how to put it, principle.

And in 2022 the World Team Championship was held there. I’m still proud I didn’t go. No question.”

The FIDE World Team Chess Championship 2022 took place in Jerusalem, Israel. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has lasted for decades, with wars and territorial changes before the escalation in 2023. Nodirbek Abdusattorov already held his anti-occupation and humanitarian stances by 2022.

Credit: Lennart Ootes