Instead of relying on experienced stars, the federation has selected a young lineup featuring Dau Khuong Duy, Banh Gia Huy, Pham Tran Gia Phuc, Duong Vu Anh and Dang Hoang Son for the Open section.

In the women’s category, leading players Pham Le Thao Nguyen and Luong Phuong Hanh are also absent. The Vietnam Chess Federation has decided to field familiar names such as women grandmasters Vo Thi Kim Phung and Nguyen Thi Mai Hung alongside promising young talents Bach Ngoc Thuy Duong, Nguyen Binh Vy and Nguyen Hong Anh.

The 2026 Chess Olympiad, often described as the “Olympics of chess”, is expected to feature one of Vietnam’s youngest teams in years.

At the 2024 Olympiad in Budapest, the trio of Quang Liem, Truong Son and Tuan Minh helped Vietnam stun the chess world by winning their opening five matches, including a victory over defending champions Uzbekistan.

Earlier, world No. 20 Le Quang Liem shared on Facebook that his absence was not due to personal scheduling conflicts. The 35-year-old said he was willing to travel from the United States to compete if the federation could field its strongest possible team, including Truong Son and Tuan Minh.

Although the federation ultimately opted for a different approach, Quang Liem said he respected the decision to give younger players international exposure and valuable experience.

The 46th Chess Olympiad, organised by International Chess Federation, will take place in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, from September 15 to 28, with around 200 countries set to participate.

Vietnamese team to compete in 2026 World Chess Olympiad

VOV.VN - The national team will participate in the 2026 World Chess Olympiad which is scheduled to take place in Uzbekistan from September 15 to 28.