India made history on Sunday as both its men’s and women’s chess teams won their first-ever gold medals at the 45th Chess Olympiad. In the final round, the men’s team triumphed over Slovenia, thanks to victories from D. Gukesh, Arjun Erigaisi, and R. Praggnanandhaa in their respective matches. Meanwhile, the women’s team dominated Azerbaijan, winning 3.5-0.5 to claim the title.
Previously, the Indian men’s team had secured bronze medals in 2014 and 2022, while the women earned a bronze in the 2022 tournament held in Chennai. Gukesh and Erigaisi played crucial roles in securing this historic win for India in the open category.
India Secures Historic Gold Medals at Chess Olympiad
The Indian chess team achieved a remarkable milestone by winning their first-ever gold medals in both the men’s and women’s events at the 45th Chess Olympiad in Budapest, Hungary, on Sunday, September 22.
After a strong victory over the USA on Saturday, the Indian men’s team needed to avoid a loss against Slovenia in the final round. However, D Gukesh, Arjun Erigaisi, and R Praggnanandhaa all won their matches, leading India to victory over China.
D Gukesh, a young chess prodigy and World Championship contender, capped off an outstanding Olympiad by defeating Russian player Vladimir Fedoseev, contributing to India’s historic gold medal win. Arjun Erigaisi also excelled, securing a win against Serbia’s Jan Subelj in the final round.
HISTORY created 🔥🔥🔥
Double Chess Olympiad GOLD medals for India (in both Open & Women sections).
Women Squad: Harika Dronavalli, Vaishali Rameshbabu, Divya Deshmukh, Vantika Agrawal, Tania Sachdev and Abhijit Kunte (Captain).
Open Squad: Gukesh D, Praggnanandhaa R, Arjun… pic.twitter.com/8cHydCnFk7
— India_AllSports (@India_AllSports) September 22, 2024Grandmaster R Praggnanandhaa showcased his skills with a decisive win over Anton Demchenko, helping India achieve a commanding 3-0 victory against Slovenia, with one game still to play.
The Indian men’s team concluded the 45th Olympiad with an impressive 21 points out of a possible 22, only drawing one match against Uzbekistan while winning all others, including a crucial victory over China.
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Indian Women’s Chess Team Double Gold At Chess Olympiad
India’s women’s chess team achieved a historic double gold alongside the men’s team with a dominant 3.5-0.5 win against Azerbaijan at the 45th Chess Olympiad in Budapest, Hungary. This impressive performance on Sunday marked a monumental achievement for Indian chess on the global stage.
Key Highlights of the Women’s Team Victory:
- D Harika’s Leadership: The Indian women’s team was led by D Harika, who delivered a strong performance on the top board. Her consistent and powerful play set the tone for the team, guiding them to victory.
- Divya Deshmukh’s Gold Medal: Divya Deshmukh continued her excellent run throughout the tournament and clinched an individual gold medal on the third board. Her performance was crucial in securing India’s overall victory, showcasing her skill and determination.
- R Vaishali’s Steady Draw: R Vaishali played a solid game that ended in a draw, contributing valuable points to the team. Her composed play added to the team’s steady march towards the gold medal.
- Vantika Agrawal’s Match-Winning Performance: Vantika Agrawal’s outstanding performance was a turning point in the match, ensuring that India clinched the historic win. Her strategic and sharp play helped the team secure the decisive points needed for the gold.
This remarkable win is not just about medals; it marks a significant milestone in India’s chess history, demonstrating the growing strength and skill of Indian players on the world stage. Both the men’s and women’s teams have shown that India is becoming a formidable force in international chess.
Also Read: R Praggnanandhaa Classical Win Over Magnus Carlsen at Norway Chess
FAQs
Q.1. When did India win gold medals at the 45th Chess Olympiad?
Ans. India won its first-ever gold medals in both men’s and women’s categories on September 22, 2024, at the 45th Chess Olympiad in Budapest, Hungary.
Q.2. Who were the key players in India’s men’s team victory?
Ans. Key players included D Gukesh, Arjun Erigaisi, and R Praggnanandhaa, who secured crucial wins in the final round against Slovenia.
Q.3. How did the Indian women’s chess team perform at the Olympiad?
Ans. The Indian women’s team dominated Azerbaijan 3.5-0.5, led by strong performances from D Harika, Divya Deshmukh, R Vaishali, and Vantika Agrawal.
Q.4. What were India’s previous achievements in the Chess Olympiad?
Ans. The Indian men’s team previously won bronze medals in 2014 and 2022, while the women’s team earned bronze in 2022 in Chennai.
Q.5. Why is this gold medal win significant for Indian chess?
Ans. This win marks a historic achievement, reflecting India’s growing prowess in international chess and highlighting the strength of its players on the global stage.
