In a shocking opening of the 46th FIDE World Chess Olympiad, the Pakistani Chess Federation opted not to field a team against Israel, leaving all four boards empty and handing the Israelis a 4‑0 walkover.
The decision follows Pakistan’s government policy of non‑recognition of Israel and was described by Secretary General Gauhar Iqbal as a matter of national policy, not personal animus.
Iqbal told ChessBase India, "It is nothing against the player, it is against the state's policy, and we have to follow it." The federation also affirmed the boycott was a gesture of solidarity with the Palestinian people.
With Israel’s first match secured by default, the team can focus on the next rounds while Pakistan’s absence leaves their group with only one opponent, potentially skewing the standings. The federation stated it will still participate in subsequent matches and remain committed to international events.
Pakistan is slated to resume participation in the second round against its next scheduled opponent, though specifics are pending.