India Makes History, Wins Double Gold at 45th Chess Olympiad

In a historic achievement for Indian chess, the nation secured gold medals in both the Open and Women’s categories at the 2024 FIDE Chess Olympiad held in Budapest. This marks the first time India has won gold in either category, capping a remarkable journey that showcased the country’s rising prowess in the sport.

The Indian men’s team, comprised of Arjun Erigaisi, D Gukesh, R Praggnanandhaa, Vidit Gujrathi, P Harikrishna, and captain Srinath Narayanan, delivered an impressive performance throughout the tournament. Their gold was confirmed after a convincing 3.5-0.5 victory over Slovenia in the final round.

Arjun Erigaisi led the charge by winning his match against Jan Subelj, while D Gukesh and R Praggnanandhaa followed suit with their own victories. Vidit Gujrathi secured a draw, ensuring that the Indian team’s performance was sufficient to clinch the coveted gold, regardless of the outcomes of the remaining games.

This triumph is a significant leap forward for Indian chess, as the team had previously won bronze medals in the Open category in 2014 and 2022. The victory in Budapest not only represents a major milestone but also highlights India’s progress on the global chess stage.

In total, the Indian men’s team achieved ten wins out of eleven matches, setting a new record by scoring 21 points out of a possible 22. The previous record, set by the USA and Ukraine, stood at 20 points during the 42nd Olympiad in 2016. D Gukesh also made headlines by winning gold on Board No. 1 for the second consecutive Olympiad, while Arjun Erigaisi improved his performance from a silver medal in the last Olympiad to gold this time around. This marks a significant progression for both players, who have established themselves as key figures in Indian chess.

The Indian women’s team also delivered a stellar performance, securing their gold with a similar 3.5-0.5 victory over Azerbaijan. Their journey, however, was slightly more challenging. After winning the first seven rounds, they faced a setback with a loss to Poland and a draw against the USA. Nonetheless, they regrouped and clinched victories against both China and Azerbaijan in the final rounds to secure their first gold medal. With an impressive score of 19 out of 22, the women’s team showcased resilience and skill, affirming their position among the best in the world.

The 2024 Olympiad will be remembered as a landmark event for Indian chess. As the chess community celebrates this extraordinary achievement, it is clear that India is on an upward trajectory in the world of chess, with bright prospects for the future. This golden moment not only boosts the morale of Indian chess players but also inspires a new generation to take up the game, promising to elevate India’s status in international chess for years to come.