'Nothing against sportsman spirit': Pakistan explain decision to boycott Israel

Pakistan refused to play Israel successful the opening circular of the 2026 Chess Olympiad successful Samarkand, handing Israel a 4-0 walkover. Pakistan’s chess federation said the determination followed the government’s argumentation of not recognising Israel and was besides meant to amusement solidarity with Palestinians. Officials stressed the boycott was astir authorities policy, not the players oregon sporting spirit.