Uzbek GMs Nodirbek Abdusattorov and Javokhir Sindarov returned to Uzbekistan the day after the conclusion of the Tata Steel Masters. A ceremonial welcome for the grandmasters was held at Tashkent airport in their homeland.

In an interview with media during the welcome, Abdusattorov stated:

Nodirbek Abdusattorov

Nodirbek Abdusattorov

Uzbek GM

“I’m very happy we managed to achieve success! It’s no exaggeration to say that the conditions our government has created for chess players are the foundation of these victories. A number of prestigious competitions await us, including the 46th World Chess Olympiad.”

The event was attended by Deputy Minister of Sports — Sh. Mahmudov, Deputy Chairman of the Chess Federation of Uzbekistan — K. Sindorov, and the relatives and close ones of the grandmasters.

The Tata Steel Chess Masters 2026 took place in Wijk aan Zee, Netherlands from January 17 to February 1. Nodirbek Abdusattorov scored 6 wins and 6 draws to win the tournament with 9/13 points. Javokhir Sindarov scored 4 wins and 9 draws without a single loss and finished second with 8.5/13 points.

Credit: Uzbekistan Chess Federation