Nodirbek Abdusattorov, a 20-year-old chess prodigy from Uzbekistan, is quickly emerging as a formidable opponent for top Indian chess players such as Gukesh, Praggnanandhaa, and Arjun Erigaisi. With the 2026 Chess Olympiad set to take place in Tashkent, Abdusattorov is keen on settling scores with India, underscoring the intensifying chess rivalry between the two nations. This rivalry has been particularly noticeable in the last two Chess Olympiads, where both India and Uzbekistan vied for the top spot.
During a recent interview, Abdusattorov shared his thoughts on the growing popularity of chess in Uzbekistan and how the rivalry with India could further elevate the profile of the sport across Asia. He also spoke about his personal goals and aspirations on the international chess stage, indicating his readiness to make a significant impact at the upcoming Olympiad.