Chess Diplomacy: PM Narendra Modi Gifts World Cup Winner Javokhir Sindarov’s Handwritten Scoresheet to Uzbek President

Last Updated:September 02, 2026, 08:14 IST

PM Modi gifted Uzbekistan President Mirziyoyev GM Javokhir Sindarov’s 2025 FIDE World Cup final scoresheet.

Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev (right) and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi pose for a photo during their meeting in Tashkent. (AP Photo)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s gift to Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev carried a distinctive chess connection – the original handwritten scoresheet of Grandmaster Javokhir Sindarov from the 2025 FIDE World Cup final in Goa, a keepsake from the Uzbek star’s historic triumph.

Sindarov, one of the brightest young names in world chess, defeated China’s Wei Yi in the Goa final to become the youngest-ever FIDE World Cup champion.

The victory not only earned him the title but also secured his place in the 2026 Candidates Tournament, putting him on the path to a world championship challenge.

The achievement was followed by an even bigger milestone.

In April 2026, Sindarov won the FIDE Candidates Tournament with a round to spare, earning the right to challenge reigning world champion Gukesh D for the world title.

Sindarov’s rise has been swift.

He became a Grandmaster at the age of 12 and was part of Uzbekistan’s gold-medal winning team at the 2022 Chess Olympiad in Chennai. His success has established him as one of the leading players of the new generation and a key figure in Uzbekistan’s strong chess tradition.

The handwritten scoresheet presented to Mirziyoyev preserves a tangible piece of the Goa final, where Sindarov defeated Wei Yi 1.5-0.5 in the tiebreak after the two classical games ended in draws.

The document was presented in a leatherette cover alongside a photograph of the champion.

Beyond chess, Modi’s gifts to the Uzbek leadership reflected India’s cultural and artistic heritage.

Mirziyoyev also received a sandalwood Shata Tantri Veena, popularly known as the Santoor, a many-stringed instrument associated with Jammu and Kashmir, along with two varieties of premium Kangra Tea – First Flush Black Tea and Green Tea – presented in a carved wooden box.

For the Uzbek President’s family, Modi presented a marble inlay casket paired with a Banarasi silk stole to the President’s spouse, and a fine silver floral brooch to his daughter. The Uzbek Prime Minister was also presented with a marble inlay decorative plate featuring floral and foliate motifs.

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What other cultural gifts did PM Modi present to Uzbekistan?

In addition to the chess scoresheet, PM Modi presented President Mirziyoyev with a sandalwood Shata Tantri Veena, also known as a Santoor, which is a many-stringed musical instrument associated with Jammu and Kashmir. He also gifted two premium varieties of Kangra Tea—First Flush Black Tea and Green Tea—presented in a carved wooden box.

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Feroz Khan

Feroz Khan has been covering sports for over 12 years now and is currently working with Network18 as Principal Correspondent. He embarked on his journey in 2011 and has since acquired vast experience …Read More

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