Cool Sindarov has the fire in him to challenge for the biggest prize in chess

Javokhir Sindarov might pass off as the boy next door with a charming smile, and not as one bracing to challenge for the biggest prize in chess (the World championship).

Yet, beneath the relaxed exterior is a hyper-focused 20-year-old Uzbek Grandmaster, quietly confident of his prospects and also careful not to underestimate his opponent — the World champion D. Gukesh, whose oscillating form has been the topic of discussion.

“I feel he is a very smart player and is extremely strong,” Sindarov said on the sidelines of Norway Chess 2026, outlining his plans for the title match, the venue for which is yet to be zeroed in on.

“From next month, I’ll start my preparations, but right now I need to focus on the Olympiad. My team is already working on the World Championship,” he added.

Having never featured in a match of such a duration (14 games of classical and tie-break if needed to decide the winner), the young GM said he knew it would be hard but was ready for it. “I know I’m very close (to winning this tournament). Gukesh also has the same chance. It will be a very good match.”

Sindarov has been in a rich vein of form, first winning the World Cup in Goa in 2025 before storming to victory in the Candidates earlier this year.

Speaking about the Chess Olympiad where India is the defending champion in the Open and women’s sections, the Uzbek said he and the rest of his compatriots would be keen to triumph at home (in Samarkand), adding India, the U.S. and China would be the teams to beat.

On his preferred venue for the World Championship match, he said Cyprus was an attractive option given the weather conditions. Sindarov may appear to be a ‘cool lad’ but has the fire in him to be the world’s best.