Cyprus women's chess team wins silver in category D at the 46th Chess Olympiad

The 46th Chess Olympiad concluded on September 27, 2026, at the Samarkand Silk Road complex in Uzbekistan. During the tournament, the Cyprus women's national team achieved a notable success by winning the silver medal in Category D. Having started from the 125th position in the rankings, the team finished 91st overall out of 189 participating nations after 11 rounds, recording four wins, four losses, and three draws.

A major highlight for the Cypriot delegation was the individual performance of team members Aida Păunescu, Larisa Sokolova, and Eleni Pica, who all successfully achieved FIDE Master norms. This accomplishment marks a significant milestone for the team, which was only established four years ago. Prior to 2022, Cyprus had exclusively sent men's teams to compete in Chess Olympiads.

The tournament was hosted at the Samarkand Silk Road, a modern multi-purpose tourist facility commissioned in 2022, featuring extensive amenities including hotels, a conference center, and the 'Eternal City' ethnographic park. The performance of the Cypriot women's team signifies a positive shift in the island's representation in international chess.