'Nothing against sportsman spirit': Pakistan on decision to boycott Israel at Olympiad

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.

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