Pakistan Chess Team Returns Home to Grand Welcome in Islamabad

ISLAMABAD – (Staff Reporter/News Desk) – The Pakistan chess team has returned home after taking part in the 46th FIDE World Chess Olympiad 2026 in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. The players were given a warm and happy welcome at Islamabad airport.

Officials of the Chess Federation of Pakistan were there to receive the team. President Syed Zeeshan Ali Naqvi, Vice President Rehan Azam and Secretary General Sheikh Raja Gohar Iqbal greeted the players one by one.

Fans and family members filled the arrival area with joy. The players and officials were covered in flower garlands, and rose petals were showered on them as they walked out.

Many people also waved the green and white national flag. The sight made the whole airport feel like a small celebration.

Teams from about 200 countries took part in the Olympiad, which makes it one of the biggest chess events in the world. Playing at this level is never easy, and every country sends its best players.

During the event, a Pakistani player won a gold medal in his category. This success has brought great pride to the country and made the national chess community very happy.

Federation President Syed Zeeshan Ali Naqvi was present in Samarkand during the competition. He stayed close to the players, cheered them on and congratulated them on their strong performance.

Speaking about the achievement, Mr. Naqvi said the players had raised Pakistan’s flag high at the global level. He said they did it through hard work and a strong passion for the game.

He also said the result is a matter of pride for the whole nation. In his view, it shows that Pakistani players can compete with the best when they get the right support.

The president asked the players to keep their spirits high. He hoped they would continue to bring good news for Pakistan in the years ahead.

Vice President Rehan Azam and Secretary General Raja Gohar Iqbal also praised the team. Along with other federation members, they said the success was the result of teamwork and careful planning.

Chess is a game of patience, focus and clear thinking. When young players see their own countrymen winning on a world stage, it can inspire them to pick up the board and start learning.

That is why moments like this matter. A warm welcome at the airport is a small gesture, but it tells players that their country notices their effort.

The Pakistan chess team now returns to a country that is proud of its work. Fans hope this success will bring more attention, more training chances and more young talent to the sport.

For now, the players can enjoy the love shown by the nation. The Chess Federation of Pakistan says it will keep working to help its players shine in future international events.