The video presents post‑match interview footage from the Samarkand FIDE Olympiad 2026, following Team India's 4‑0 victory over the Dominican Republic in the opening round. The interviews feature Vaishali Ramesh Babu and Koneru Hampi (often called Humpy), who discuss their individual games, the tournament environment, and team dynamics. Vaishali describes a smooth Nimzo‑Indian game, highlighting queen maneuvers (Qa4, Qd4, Qd7) and a pawn gain. Hampi recounts an easy win with White, noting the opponent’s critical error of capturing the a2 pawn, while his pieces were well‑developed and his king centralized, leading to a superior endgame. Both players comment on logistical hiccups, such as hotel room shortages and check‑in delays, and praise the spacious playing venue. Hampi mentions this is his second visit to Uzbekistan. When asked about expectations, Hampi emphasizes focusing on playing the best rather than targeting medals, and the team expresses confidence in their strong boards and collective effort for the Olympiad.
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The defending champion of the FIDE Women's Olympiad, Team India started off with a bang at the Samarkand FIDE Olympiad 2026. They started off with a 4-0 win over the Dominican Republic. In this video, we are going to show you 2 very special interviews with Koneru Hampi and Vaishali Ramesh Babu right after they won their matches. Check out the interviews.
Vaishali, first game, you know, in Samarkand for the Olympiad. How are you feeling after the game?
Oh, it feels good. It's nice to start with a win also. Yeah, exciting tournament ahead.
Tell us a bit about the game. Was it very smooth or was it a bit topsy-turvy for you today?
It was kind of smooth. It started with some Nimzo, Knight f3, and yeah, it transposed to one of the main positions, and she went Queen a4, and I think it was already wrong with what I played. Queen d4 was interesting, but then I decided to take everything and go Queen d7, which was Which was good enough. I was getting a pawn, so I just went for this one. It was kind of smooth.
And Varsha, you know, yesterday you had this small issue where you players had to wait for some time and then you had to go. But did you get like, like, did you get enough rest before the game? Were you all fresh and coming into it?
Yeah, today we were all ready to fight. Yesterday it was, it was a bit unfortunate. We had to wait for some time. Yeah, I think once the event starts, everything will be finals.
And are you guys having fun as a team? Did you get to see around? Maybe some of the little— or is it locked in, you know, just preparing?
No, we just arrived yesterday and, uh, I mean, we're just getting into the tournament. I think slowly we'll see.
Thank you, Vaishali, and best wishes for the game.
Thank you.
Uh, Hampi, what are your feelings after the first game here in Samarkand?
Uh, well, it was an easy game. Being the first one, we had a weak opposition. And also having the white pieces. So she just heard, uh, after she played Knight b4, she has to go for b6. Instead, she went for taking the pawn on a2, which is a very bad idea. And my pieces are well developed and my king is centralized, so I had a completely better endgame.
I'm sure you have been to Samarkand before, you know. I think maybe World Rapid and Blitz was one, uh, how has your experiences been in Uzbekistan and how do you find the venue and the conditions?
Uh, yeah, this is my second visit already. Uh, the playing venue is very nice. It's quite huge and spacious. Uh, but we do have faced, uh, issues yesterday to check in into the hotel. Like, there was a lack of rooms, and, uh, till last night, like, we are— uh, some of our coaches and managers, they couldn't manage to get the rooms. So yeah, it was a bit, uh, unfortunate thing. I think it's, um, it's organizational issue that, yeah, they couldn't manage to, you know, accommodate, uh, all the, all the teams.
And Hampi, you know, you are the defending champions, you are the top seeds of the event. What are your expectations personally coming into this event?
Uh, well, frankly speaking, I'm not really thinking about the medals or something because it's just start of the tournament. So I just wanted to give my best and As a team, I think every, every board we have strong contenders, and our focus will be on playing the best.
Thank you, thank you so much, MP, and best wishes for the rest of the event.
