Ukraine Announces Its Rosters for the 2026 Chess Olympiad

National Teams Set for the 46th World Chess Olympiad

According to Спортивний комітет: Ukraine has finalized its men's and women's squads for the 46th World Chess Olympiad, scheduled to take place in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, from September 15 to 28, 2026. This biennial tournament will bring together roughly 200 national teams from across the globe.

Men's and Women's Lineups

Head coach Oleksandr Belyavsky will lead the men's team, which features the following players:

• Igor Kovalenko
• Ruslan Ponomariov
• Vasyl Ivanchuk
• Anton Korobov
• Igor Samunenkov

The Ukrainian men have a strong track record, having claimed Olympic gold in 2004 and 2010, along with two silver and three bronze medals.

Under the guidance of coach Mykhailo Brodsky, the women's team will consist of:

• Anastasia Gnatyshyn
• Anna Ushenina
• Nataliya Buksa
• Anastasia Rakhmangulova
• Tetiana Skarbarchuk

The women's squad also boasts an impressive history, winning the Olympiad in 2006 and 2022, in addition to three silver and three bronze finishes. Both teams are expected to deliver compelling performances, and fans are eagerly awaiting their matches.

Ukraine's participation in this prestigious chess event marks a significant step for the sport's growth within the country and enhances its international reputation. With such strong lineups, both the men's and women's teams are poised for competitive showings. This also serves to inspire greater interest in chess among Ukraine's youth, potentially fueling future successes in the discipline.

As Ukraine continues to make strides in the world of sports, the recent achievement of the women's epee team at the European Championships further highlights the nation's growing prowess in competitive arenas. This success not only showcases the talent within Ukraine but also adds to the excitement surrounding the upcoming Chess Olympiad, where both teams will aim to build on their impressive legacies.