'Nothing against sportsman spirit': Pakistan explain decision to boycott Israel

AI Summary

Pakistan's chess federation announced a boycott of Israel in the 2026 Chess Olympiad as a reflection of government policy and solidarity with Palestinians. The walkover gave Israel a 4-0 win amid clarifications on focusing on state policy rather than sporting spirit.

Pakistan refused to play Israel in the opening round of the 2026 Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, handing Israel a 4-0 walkover. Pakistan’s chess federation said the decision followed the government’s policy of not recognising Israel and was also meant to show solidarity with Palestinians. Officials stressed the boycott was about state policy, not the players or sporting spirit.