 "Javokhir Sindarov was treated with a special welcome ceremony at the Tashkent International Airport in Uzbekistan after he won the FIDE World Cup. Image: ICC chessclub.com/X")
New FIDE Chess World Cup winner Javokhir Sindarov’s return to his home country, Uzbekistan, turned into a massive celebration as the 19-year-old Grandmaster was bestowed with lavish gifts, including a three-bedroom apartment. Javokhir Sindarov defeated Chinese No 1 Wei Yi in Goa earlier this week in tie-breakers to become the youngest FIDE Chess World Cup winner of all time.
Javokhir Sindarov is also the first Uzbek chess player to win the World Cup. As a result of his historic victory, the teenager secured a spot in the FIDE Candidates 2026, clinched a massive prize money of $1,20,000 and the Viswanathan Anand Cup.
Sindarov awarded three-room partment
On his return to Tashkent, Javokhir Sindarov was given a grand welcome by the Uzbek government as Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov turned up at the airport to receive the teenage chess sensation. A group of youngsters waving Uzbekistan flags was also present at the welcome ceremony. Making it grander was the military marching band.
Along with the Aripov, representatives of sports federations, chess players and Javokhir Sindarov’s family members were also present at the airport to welcome the World Cup winner. Notably, Aripov is also the President of the Uzbekistan Chess Federation.
Besides being felicitated with a traditional robe and headgear upon landing at the Tashkent airport, the government of Uzbekistan has also announced a three-room apartment, a monetary reward of $10,000 and the honorary title of “Honored Athlete of the Republic of Uzbekistan” for Sindarov.
According to a report in UzDaily, Sindarov’s coaches have also been awarded cash prizes.
Sindarov overwhelmed by grand welcome back home
Uzbekistan is known for rewarding its sportspeople with substantial cash prizes and other grand gifts upon achieving significant international successes. In 2022, when the Uzbek men’s chess team, comprising Sindarov, won the 44th World Chess Olympiad in Chennai, India, the players were awarded a combined $60,000, Chevrolet Equinox SUVs and two-room apartments.
On Thursday, Sindarov thanked Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and his loved ones for the grand welcome as he hope for more such wins.
“I cannot express my emotions in words, I am very happy. I want to thank everyone, especially my president and all my loved ones. I hope this is just the beginning — the victories of Uzbek chess will only grow from here.” he wrote on X.