The Olympiad for People with Disabilities keeps growing. Forty teams have registered for the third edition in Samarkand next month, breaking the record set just last October when 34 teams competed in Astana. The first event drew 26 teams in Belgrade in 2023. This year marks a watershed moment. For the first time, the disability Olympiad runs alongside the main 46th FIDE Chess Olympiad from September 10-17, legitimizing the event within chess's most prestigious structure.
The organizers expanded the format to match the ambition. This edition stretches to seven rounds instead of six, giving players more games and sharper results. Time controls remain standard: 90 minutes plus 30 seconds increment for the opening phase, then 30 minutes to finish. Teams field four players plus a reserve.
The trajectory tells the real story. Steady growth from Belgrade to Astana to Samarkand reflects real demand. More countries are sending strong teams. More federations recognize the value of competitive chess for disabled players. Housing the disability Olympiad within the same venue as the open championship sends a message: this is chess. Full stop.