The 45th Chess Olympiad is currently taking place in Budapest, Hungary, from September 10 to 23, 2024. This marks the first time Hungary has hosted an official Chess Olympiad since 1926. With 1,884 competitors from 197 teams (Open) and 183 teams (Women), the event is being held at the SYMA Sports and Conference Centre. India making a strong statement by securing resounding victories in both the Open and Women's sections. In the Open section, India's top-ranked players, led by Grandmasters Vidit Gujrathi, Pentala Harikrishna, D. Gukesh, and R. Praggnanandhaa, delivered commanding performances to sweep their respective opponents and give India a perfect 4-0 start. In the Women's section, India's team, comprising Koneru Humpy, R. Vaishali, Bhakti Kulkarni, and Tania Sachdev, also showcased their prowess, winning all four matches and clinching a 4-0 victory.

The impressive start by both Indian teams has set them up as early favorites for the coveted gold medals. The opening ceremony of the Olympiad was a grand affair, attended by dignitaries from various countries. The Hungarian Prime Minister, Viktor Orbán, welcomed the participants and expressed his country's pride in hosting such a prestigious event. The ceremony also featured cultural performances and speeches by key figures in the chess world. The atmosphere at the SYMA Sports and Conference Centre, the venue for the Olympiad, was electric as chess enthusiasts from around the globe gathered to witness the action. The Indian teams were greeted with warm cheers and support from their fans, who were hoping for a historic performance from their countrymen. The victories by the Indian teams have not only boosted their morale but have also sent a message to the rest of the world that India is a force to be reckoned with in the chess arena.

In the Open section, Vidit Gujrathi, India's highest-ranked player, set the tone for the team with a convincing victory over his opponent. Pentala Harikrishna, another key member of the Indian team, followed suit with a comfortable win. D. Gukesh and R. Praggnanandhaa, both rising stars in the chess world, also contributed to India's perfect start with impressive victories of their own. In the Women's section, Koneru Humpy, India's top-ranked female player, led the way with a dominant performance. R. Vaishali, Bhakti Kulkarni, and Tania Sachdev also played crucial roles in India's victory. The Indian women's team has been steadily improving in recent years, and their strong start in the Olympiad has raised hopes of a maiden gold medal. The Indian players are known for their aggressive style of play and their ability to handle pressure. Their early success in the Olympiad has raised expectations, and they will be eager to maintain their momentum throughout the tournament.