Fabiano Caruana Critiques US Chess Support, Lauds India and Uzbekistan as Emerging Chess Powers

Fabiano Caruana Critiques US Chess Support, Lauds India and Uzbekistan Ahead of Historic Championship Clash

April 28, 2026, 14:32 IST

In a striking commentary on the state of chess in the United States, Grandmaster Fabiano Caruana has voiced his concerns regarding the lack of government support for the game, contrasting it sharply with the robust backing seen in countries like India and Uzbekistan. His remarks come just ahead of a highly anticipated Grand Chess Tour event in Bucharest, where the chess community is abuzz with excitement over the upcoming World Championship clash between two of the sport’s brightest young talents.

Caruana, who last represented the US in a World Championship match in 2018, emphasized that while the US has historically produced legendary figures such as Bobby Fischer and Paul Morphy, the current landscape is shifting. “The US is a little different because the government hasn’t been involved in chess,” he stated in an interview with Ziarul Financiar. “We rely on private companies and sponsors, like the Saint Louis Chess Club.”

This reliance on private funding, Caruana argues, may hinder the long-term growth of chess in America. He pointed out that nations like Uzbekistan and India have made significant strides in the sport due to substantial government investment. “If you look at the countries that have made the most progress in the last two decades, like Uzbekistan and India, these are places where the governments have invested a lot of effort and money in chess, and the results are obvious,” he noted.

Indeed, the proof is in the pudding. Uzbekistan claimed the Chess Olympiad title in 2022, followed by India’s victory in 2024. In stark contrast, the US last won the event in 2016, raising questions about its future in the global chess arena.

As the chess world gears up for a historic showdown, Caruana’s insights resonate deeply. The upcoming World Championship match will feature 20-year-olds Javokhir Sindarov and D Gukesh, marking the youngest championship clash in history. Sindarov, fresh off his victory in the Candidates Tournament, is set to challenge the reigning champion Gukesh later this year.

While Caruana calls for greater institutional support, he also emphasizes the responsibility of Grandmasters to inspire the next generation. “Children who play chess watch our games, either for pleasure or for inspiration, and our job is to set a good example, to encourage and inspire them to keep playing and improving,” he said.

As the chess community reflects on Caruana’s comments, the spotlight remains on the rising powers of India and Uzbekistan, which are rapidly transforming the chess landscape. With the stakes higher than ever, the future of chess in the US may depend on how it responds to these challenges and opportunities.

Stay tuned as we continue to follow the developments leading up to this historic championship clash, where the next generation of chess talent will take center stage.