In a historic achievement on Sunday, India triumphed in both the men’s and women’s events at the 45th Chess Olympiad, marking the country’s first-ever gold medals in the prestigious tournament. Both teams delivered dominant performances in their final rounds, with the men’s team defeating Slovenia and the women’s team overcoming Azerbaijan to secure their respective titles.
The Indian men clinched their gold after victories by D Gukesh, Arjun Erigaisi, and R Praggnanadhaa in their 11th and final round against Slovenia. The women’s team, on the other hand, put up an equally commanding display, beating Azerbaijan 3.5-0.5 to claim their maiden title. Prior to this historic victory, the Indian men had won two bronze medals in the Olympiad, once in 2014 and again in 2022, while the women had claimed a bronze in 2022 when the tournament was held in Chennai.
Leading the charge for the men’s team, World Championship challenger Gukesh and rising star Arjun Erigaisi once again delivered in crucial moments. Their key victories helped propel India to its first title in the open category, a long-awaited achievement for the nation’s chess community.
In his match against Slovenia’s Vladimir Fedoseev, Gukesh played a masterful game with the black pieces. The 18-year-old Grandmaster showcased his deep understanding of the technical aspects of the game, securing a hard-fought victory through strategic precision. His win, though laborious, was critical to India’s overall success.
Meanwhile, Erigaisi also performed brilliantly with the black pieces on the third board, defeating Jan Subeli in an unexpected game that arose from a Centre Counter defense. His victory added to India’s momentum and further cemented their lead in the match.
The third crucial point for the Indian men came from Praggnanadhaa, who found his form just in time and delivered a crushing victory over Anton Demchenko. Praggnanadhaa’s win sealed a 3-0 triumph for India with one game still remaining, ensuring that the team would finish on top.
By the end of the Olympiad, the Indian men’s team had accumulated an impressive 21 points out of a possible 22, having conceded just a single 2-2 draw to Uzbekistan. They swept aside all other competitors with ease, affirming their dominance throughout the tournament.
For the Indian women, their victory over Azerbaijan was equally impressive, securing a rare double gold for the country in the Olympiad. The women’s team delivered a 3.5-0.5 win in the final round, highlighting the strength and depth of the squad.
D Harika, playing on the top board, was at her technical best. She executed a flawless game, striking at the right moments to help India take the lead. Meanwhile, Divya Deshmukh continued her superb form, dominating her opponent on the third board to ensure her individual gold medal in the process.
After R Vaishali secured a draw in her game, the Indian women’s team was in a strong position to win. Vantika Agrawal then delivered the final blow, scoring another brilliant victory to round off the team’s remarkable performance.
With these triumphs, both the Indian men’s and women’s teams have elevated their standing in the world of chess. The men’s team’s previous successes, including the bronze medals in 2014 and 2022, had already established India as a force to be reckoned with in international chess. However, this gold medal marks a new era for Indian chess, confirming their place among the elite teams globally.
The women’s team, which had shown potential by winning bronze in the 2022 edition held in Chennai, also took a major leap forward with their gold medal. The victory not only signifies their growing strength but also reflects the rising prominence of women’s chess in India.
Gukesh, who had been touted as a potential future World Champion, lived up to the high expectations placed upon him. His performances throughout the tournament, especially in the final round, were nothing short of extraordinary. “Gukesh was at his very best in the technical phase of the game,” noted a commentator, praising his ability to navigate the complexities of the match against Slovenia’s Fedoseev.
Erigaisi, another rising star in Indian chess, also garnered attention for his composed and tactical play. His unexpected victory with the Centre Counter defense in the final round was a testament to his skill and ability to surprise opponents. Praggnanadhaa, known for his aggressive and creative style, also delivered when it mattered most, securing a crucial point for India against Demchenko.
On the women’s side, D Harika’s leadership on the top board was instrumental in guiding the team to victory. Her technical precision and calm under pressure were key to the Indian women’s success. Divya Deshmukh’s individual performance throughout the tournament, culminating in her gold on the third board, was another highlight for the team. “Divya yet again outclassed her opponent,” remarked a chess analyst, noting her consistent ability to dominate in key moments.
The collective efforts of the Indian teams, both men and women, have brought immense pride to the country. These victories not only reflect the individual brilliance of players like Gukesh, Erigaisi, Praggnanadhaa, Harika, and Deshmukh but also showcase the strength of Indian chess as a whole.
In addition to the players’ individual achievements, the team’s success is a testament to the hard work and dedication of their coaches, support staff, and the All India Chess Federation. The victories in the 45th Chess Olympiad are expected to inspire a new generation of chess players in India, further strengthening the nation’s position as a chess powerhouse.
As India celebrates its double gold in the Olympiad, the country’s chess community can look forward to even greater accomplishments in the future. The performances of the men’s and women’s teams in this tournament have set a new benchmark for Indian chess, and their historic achievements will undoubtedly serve as motivation for aspiring players across the nation.