India's Historic Double Win at the FIDE Chess Olympiad
By Isha - Sep 23, 2024
India's top chess teams emerged victorious at the 45th FIDE Chess Olympiad in Budapest, Hungary, showcasing the nation's growing dominance in the global chess arena. Led by Gukesh D and Harika Dronavalli, both the men's and women's teams secured gold medals through strategic brilliance and determination. The historic win inspired a new generation of players and highlighted India's prowess in chess, setting the stage for continued success in the sport.

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India etched its name in the annals of chess history as its two top teams won at the 45th FIDE Chess Olympiad in Budapest, Hungary. The nation's triumph marked a momentous occasion, showcasing the country's rising dominance in the global chess arena. The team's strategic brilliance and unwavering determination propelled them to the top, defeating strong opponents worldwide. Their victory showcased India's chess prowess and inspired a new generation of players to pursue the game. Gukesh D. unleashed hell on chess boards and helped men's team to hold onto the gold medal. Former Chess champion Vishy Anand's presence made the even more historic. The Indian men's team, led by Gukesh D, Praggnanandhaa R, Arjun Erigaisi, Vidit Gujrathi, Harikrishna Pentala, and captain Srinath Narayanan, maintained a strong lead throughout the tournament. They won 10 matches and drew only one, securing a comfortable 2-point advantage over China going into the final round. A draw in the last round would have been enough to clinch gold for India, but the team continued their aggressive play and decisively defeated Slovenia 3.5-0.5, securing the championship title.
The Indian women's team began the tournament with a strong surge, winning all their initial matches and taking the lead. However, their momentum faltered in the middle rounds, with a loss to Poland and a draw against the USA. Despite these setbacks, they managed to regain their form. Heading into the final round, India was neck-and-neck with Kazakhstan, creating a tense battle for the top spot. The Indian women's team, led by Harika Dronavalli, Vaishali R, Divya Deshmukh, Vantika Agrawal, Tania Sachdev, and captain Abhijit Kunte, displayed exceptional composure and determination. In the final match against Azerbaijan, they clinched a decisive 3.5-0.5 victory. Simultaneously, Kazakhstan's draw against the USA ensured India's sole triumph in the event. A standout performer was 18-year-old Divya Deshmukh, a newcomer to the team. She played every match, contributing a remarkable 9.5 points. Her crucial win in the final match was instrumental in India's victory. Deshmukh's individual gold medal for her performance on board three is well-earned recognition for her outstanding contribution.
Tania Sachdev and D Gukesh are recreate the iconic walk that Lionel Messi made during the 2022 FIFA World Cup, each holding their respective trophies. India's journey to Chess Olympiad success began in 2014, with a bronze medal in the men's section. They followed this up with another bronze medal in 2022. The women's team also made their mark in 2022, winning a bronze medal in Chennai. A historic milestone was achieved in 2023 when India won the Gaprindashvili Cup, a prestigious award recognizing the best-combined performance by both the men's and women's teams. This was the first time India had claimed this honor. The tournament served as a platform for Indian players to showcase their skills and compete against the best in the world. As India continues to invest in chess development and produce talented players, the country's dominance in the sport is likely to continue for years to come.