Indian Coaches Led National Teams at Fide Olympiad
Chess experts from India have stepped up to support smaller nations competing at the Fide Chess Olympiad in Samarkand.
Updated on Sept. 19, 2026 in Olympics
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At least six Indian coaches are currently leading national teams for smaller chess nations at the Fide Chess Olympiad in Samarkand. These coaches aim to elevate the competitive performance of teams that often lack formal infrastructure.
Why it matters
Smaller chess nations utilize Indian expertise to gain technical skills and bridge the gap against more established international competitors. This collaborative approach helps teams navigate the complexities of high-level tournament play.
A minimum of six Indian coaches are active at the Samarkand Olympiad, supporting teams from nations like Bhutan, St. Kitts and Nevis, and the Cayman Islands. St. Kitts and Nevis currently holds a rank of 203 out of 206 total participating nations.
The players
Atul Lahiri
He is a 54-year-old chess coach serving as the captain for the Bhutan Open team.
Praful Zaveri
He is an experienced coach who leads the St. Kitts and Nevis Open team.
Prathamesh Mokal
He serves as the dedicated coach for the chess team representing the Cayman Islands.
Carl Victor Adams
He is a player on the St. Kitts and Nevis team who recently defeated a 1929-rated opponent.
The details
Coaches like Atul Lahiri, Praful Zaveri, and Prathamesh Mokal provide online training sessions and game feedback to help players from smaller federations improve. One team member, Carl Victor Adams, recently secured a victory against a 1929-rated player from Bermuda.
Timeline
Bhutan made its debut at the Fide Chess Olympiad in 2014.
Praful Zaveri began his work with St. Kitts and Nevis in 2022.
Prathamesh Mokal started training Cayman Islands players in 2023.
Praful Zaveri conducted 10 online training sessions in August 2026.
Carl Victor Adams defeated a Bermuda player in September 2026.
Season Trajectory
The Fide Chess Olympiad serves as the primary global platform for professional chess development and international competitive growth. This trend reflects a broader shift toward inclusive, skill-based support systems within the tournament structure.
Players from nations like St. Kitts and Nevis are working toward achieving their first official Fide classical ratings during this tournament. Success for these teams will be measured by individual point accumulation rather than overall podium standing.
The takeaway
The active export of coaching talent from India demonstrates how smaller nations can rapidly improve their competitive standing on a global stage. Fans and observers should monitor the growth of these emerging federations as their players gain tournament experience.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments in international competition on our Olympics page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Hindustan Times.
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