India’s Men and Women Teams Shine in Budapest, Eyeing Historic Double Gold in Chess Olympiad 2024
The 45th FIDE Chess Olympiad, held in Budapest, Hungary, has witnessed an extraordinary performance from the Indian chess teams. As the tournament progresses, India’s men’s team has solidified its position at the top, while the women’s team is also in a strong contention for the gold medal.
Unbeaten Streak of the Indian Men’s Team
The Indian men’s team has been on a remarkable unbeaten run, extending their winning streak to eight consecutive matches. Their latest victory against Iran was nothing short of impressive, with a 3.5-0.5 scoreline that highlighted the team’s depth and strength. Arjun Erigaisi, D Gukesh, and Vidit Gujrathi secured wins, while R Praggnanandhaa played out a crucial draw to ensure the team’s victory.
Arjun Erigaisi, playing with black pieces, outmanoeuvred Bardiya Daneshvar, showcasing his tactical prowess. Gukesh, another standout performer, defeated Parham Maghsoodloo despite being in time trouble, demonstrating his ability to handle pressure. Vidit Gujrathi’s dominant performance against Idani Pouya further underscored the team’s superiority.
With this win, the Indian men’s team has accumulated 16 points, leading the standings by a significant two-point margin over their nearest rivals, Hungary and Uzbekistan. This lead is crucial with only three rounds remaining in the tournament.
Arjun Erigaisi and Gukesh: The Rating Milestones
Arjun Erigaisi’s consistent performance has brought him close to the coveted 2800-rating mark. Currently at 2793 points, he is on the cusp of becoming the 16th player in history and only the second Indian after Viswanathan Anand to achieve this feat. Gukesh, too, has been impressive, reaching a rating of 2785 points, making this the first time two Indians are in the top five of the world rankings.
Women’s Team: Resilience and Determination
While the men’s team has been unstoppable, the women’s team has also shown remarkable resilience. Although they suffered a shock loss to Poland in the eighth round, they remain in strong contention. The team is tied with Poland and Kazakhstan on 14 points, just ahead of the USA, Armenia, and Ukraine.
In the match against Poland, D Harika struggled on the top board, losing to Alina Kashlinskaya, her third loss in the event. R Vaishali also lost to Monika Socko in a technical endgame, while Divya Deshmukh secured a hard-fought win. Vantika Agrawal’s draw against Alicja Sliwicka kept the team’s hopes alive.
The Road to Double Gold
As the tournament enters its final stages, India is poised to make history by winning double gold. The men’s team, with their unbeaten streak and significant lead, looks almost certain to claim the gold medal. Their next match against Uzbekistan will be crucial, but given their current form, they are favorites to win.
The women’s team, despite the recent setback, remains confident. Their upcoming match against the USA will be a test of their mettle, but with their current standings, they are well-positioned to fight for the gold medal.
India’s ‘Strongest Team Ever’
The 2024 Chess Olympiad has been touted as a potential coming-of-age event for Indian chess. With a team that includes Arjun Erigaisi, D Gukesh, R Praggnanandhaa, and Vidit Gujrathi, India is fielding what many consider its strongest team ever. This lineup has already shown its prowess, and their mission to win the gold medal is well on track.
India’s previous achievements in the Chess Olympiad include a shared gold with Russia in the 2020 Online Chess Olympiad and bronze medals in 2014 and 2022. However, winning an outright gold in the traditional format would be a historic milestone for Indian chess.
Global Attention and Live Coverage
The 45th FIDE Chess Olympiad has garnered significant global attention, with live broadcasts available on various platforms, including chess24 YouTube and Twitch channels, as well as GM Hikaru Nakamura’s streams. This widespread coverage has made the event accessible to a broader audience, highlighting the excitement and strategic depth of chess.
The Final Rounds
As the tournament nears its conclusion, the tension and excitement are palpable. India’s men’s team, with their two-point lead, is in a commanding position but must remain focused to secure the gold. The women’s team, though facing stiff competition, has the talent and determination to overcome any obstacles.
With just a few rounds left, the stage is set for a thrilling finale. India’s chess enthusiasts and fans worldwide are eagerly awaiting the outcome, hoping to witness a historic double gold victory for the Indian teams.
Tags: Chess Olympiad 2024, Indian Men’s Team, Arjun Erigaisi, D Gukesh, Vidit Gujrathi, R Praggnanandhaa, Indian Women’s Team, Budapest, Chess, FIDE, Gold Medal.
