India Makes History with Maiden Titles in Chess Olympiad

India made history in the Chess Olympiad on Sunday as both the men’s and women’s teams secured their first-ever titles in a remarkable sweep of gold medals. The Indian men’s team defeated Slovenia 3.5-0.5, while the women’s team crushed Azerbaijan with the same score in the final round of the tournament.

The victory was a significant achievement for Indian chess, with the men’s team previously winning two bronze medals and the women’s team securing a bronze in the 2022 edition. The young talents of Indian chess, including 18-year-old D Gukesh, 21-year-old Arjun Erigaise, and 19-year-old R Praggnanandhaa, played crucial roles in securing the gold medals.

Chess legend Viswanathan Anand, who has won five World Championships titles, was present to witness the next generation of Indian players excel on the world stage. The women’s team, led by D Harika and young talent Divya Deshmukh, also put on a stellar performance to secure the victory.

The dominance of the Indian teams was evident throughout the tournament, with the men’s team winning 10 matches out of 11 and the women’s team scoring 19 points in total. The players showcased their skills and determination, with standout performances from Gukesh, Erigaise, and Deshmukh.

Overall, it was a historic moment for Indian chess as both the men’s and women’s teams clinched their maiden titles in the Chess Olympiad. The victory is a testament to the talent and hard work of the players, and a proud moment for Indian chess enthusiasts.