Indian Chess Teams Make History at 45th Chess Olympiad 2024: Win Gold Medals in Men’s and Women’s Sections
Indian Chess Teams Make History at 45th Chess Olympiad in Budapest, Win Gold Medals
In a historic moment for Indian chess, both the men’s and women’s teams emerged victorious at the 45th Chess Olympiad in Budapest, securing gold medals in their respective categories. The teams showcased exceptional skill and strategy over 11 rounds and 13 days, competing against 1,870 players from around the world.
The men’s team, led by players like D. Gukesh, Arjun Erigaisi, and Vidit Gujrathi, dominated the competition with 10 wins out of 11 rounds, solidifying India’s position as a rising powerhouse in the world of chess. The women’s team, featuring players like Divya Deshmukh and Vantika Agrawal, also delivered outstanding performances, securing individual gold medals and contributing to the team’s overall success.
The success of both teams garnered widespread support and admiration from fans across the nation, with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi even meeting and congratulating the players on their remarkable achievement. Additionally, the teams were promised significant cash rewards for their outstanding performance.
The All India Chess Federation announced a cash prize of INR 3.2 crores for the gold medal-winning teams, recognizing the players, coaches, and delegates for their dedication and hard work. Individual players received varying amounts of cash rewards, with each member of the winning teams being awarded Rs. 25 lakhs.
The coaches and assistant coaches were also recognized for their contributions, with head coach Srinath Narayanan receiving Rs. 30 lakhs and assistant coaches like Vaibhav Suri and Arjun Kalyan receiving Rs. 7.5 lakhs each. The total outlay by AICF for this achievement was a massive Rs. 3.2 crores, highlighting the significance of India’s success at the Chess Olympiad.
Overall, the victory of the Indian chess teams at the 45th Chess Olympiad marks a historic moment for the country, showcasing the talent and potential of Indian chess players on the global stage. With this win, India has firmly established itself as a force to be reckoned with in the world of chess, challenging the dominance of traditional powerhouses like the USA and Eastern Europe.