Prime Minister Narendra Modi Hosts India’s Young Chess Players for Historic Feat at Chess Olympiad

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently hosted India’s young chess players to celebrate their historic achievement at the 45th Chess Olympiad in Budapest, where both the men’s and women’s teams secured their first-ever gold medals. The teams presented the PM with a chess board and even played a blitz game in his presence.

Led by players like D Gukesh, Arjun Erigaisi, R Praggnanandhaa, Harika Dronavalli, Vaishali Rameshbabu, Divya Deshmukh, and Tania Sachdev, the Indian teams showcased exceptional talent and determination throughout the tournament.

The players were thrilled to meet PM Modi, who not only congratulated them on their success but also shared valuable insights and motivated them to continue excelling in their sport. The PM’s gesture of remembering Vantika Agarwal’s birthday and recalling their previous interactions left the players feeling appreciated and inspired.

The chess stars expressed their gratitude towards PM Modi for making them feel comfortable and valued during their meeting. They were impressed by his humility, knowledge about chess, and his emphasis on staying open to suggestions and criticism.

The men’s team, under the captaincy of Srinath Narayanan, dominated the tournament, winning 10 matches and drawing one to secure the gold medal. The women’s team, led by Abhijit Kunte, showed remarkable composure and skill to clinch the title in a thrilling final match against Azerbaijan.

Overall, the meeting with PM Modi left the players feeling motivated, inspired, and grateful for the opportunity to interact with the country’s leader. The players were impressed by the PM’s down-to-earth nature and his genuine interest in their well-being and success.

The historic achievement of both the men’s and women’s chess teams at the Chess Olympiad has not only brought glory to the nation but has also highlighted the immense talent and potential of India’s young chess players.