A Milestone Achievement in Indian Chess History
In a groundbreaking moment for Indian chess, the country’s men’s and women’s teams have made history by securing gold medals in the 45th FIDE Chess Olympiad 2024, held in Budapest, Hungary. This achievement marks a significant milestone, as India had never before won a gold medal in the Chess Olympiad.
Dominant Performance by the Men’s Team
The Indian men’s team, comprising D. Gukesh, R. Praggnanandhaa, Arjun Erigaisi, Vidit Gujrathi, and Harikrishna, put on a stellar performance throughout the tournament. Heading into the final round, India was firmly at the top of the standings with 19 points, a two-point lead over China, which was in second place with 17 points.
One of the highlight matches came in Round 10, where Gukesh faced off against World No. 3 Fabiano Caruana and emerged victorious, showcasing his exceptional form. Arjun Erigaisi also contributed significantly by defeating Leinier Dominguez Perez, while Vidit Gujrathi secured a crucial draw against Levon Aronian. Despite Praggnanandhaa’s loss to Wesley So, the team rallied together to ensure a winning position.
In the final round, India needed only a draw against Slovenia to clinch the gold, but they went beyond that, securing a decisive victory. This win marked India’s first-ever gold medal in the open section of the Chess Olympiad.
Women’s Team’s Impressive Fightback
The Indian women’s team, which included players like Divya Deshmukh and R Vaishali, also demonstrated remarkable resilience and skill. Going into the final round, India and Kazakhstan were tied at the top with 17 points each, with India slightly ahead on tiebreakers.
In a critical match, the Indian women’s team defeated a depleted Chinese team in Round 10, thanks to Divya Deshmukh’s crucial win and R Vaishali’s draw. This victory placed them in a strong position to contend for the gold.
In the final round, the women’s team faced Azerbaijan and secured a convincing 3.5-0.5 victory, which was enough to clinch the gold medal. This win was particularly significant as it marked the first time India had won a gold medal in the women’s section of the Chess Olympiad.
Historic Double Gold
India’s achievement of winning gold in both the men’s and women’s sections is a rare and remarkable feat. The men’s team had previously won bronze medals in 2014 and 2022, but this is their first gold. The women’s team, too, has made history with their maiden gold medal.
The success of both teams can be attributed to the consistent and outstanding performances of all the players. Gukesh and Arjun Erigaisi were particularly standout performers, with Gukesh’s win over Fabiano Caruana being a highlight of the tournament. The team’s strategy and coordination played a crucial role in their victory.
Global Recognition and Future Implications
This historic win is expected to boost the popularity of chess in India and inspire a new generation of chess players. The achievement has garnered significant global recognition, with chess enthusiasts and media outlets around the world praising the Indian teams for their exceptional skill and determination.
As India celebrates this monumental success, it also looks forward to the future of Indian chess. The victory at the 45th FIDE Chess Olympiad 2024 sets a high standard and motivates the teams to continue striving for excellence in international competitions.
For more detailed updates and live coverage of the Chess Olympiad, you can refer to the live updates from Round 11 and the historic win report.
