Indian Chess Stars D. Gukesh and R. Praggnanandhaa Set to Shine at Chess Olympiad in Budapest

Indian chess prodigies D. Gukesh and R. Praggnanandhaa set to shine at Chess Olympiad in Budapest

Indian chess is set to make a mark on the global stage once again as two young prodigies, D. Gukesh and R. Praggnanandhaa, gear up to participate in the upcoming Chess Olympiad in Budapest, Hungary in September.

Gukesh, who is slated to challenge defending world champion Ding Liren of China in the World Chess Championship in November, sees the Olympiad as a crucial dress rehearsal leading up to the summit clash. The 18-year-old has been on a stellar run this year, clinching the prestigious Candidates event in Toronto in April to become the youngest contender in the history of the World Championship finale.

The All India Chess Federation (AICF) President Nitin Narang confirmed the team composition, which includes Arjun Erigaisi, Vidit Gujrathi, and Harikrishna Pentala in the men’s team, while the women’s team features Harika Dronavalli, Vaishali Rameshbabu, Divya Deshmukh, Vantika Agrawal, and Tania Sachdev.

Notably, Grandmaster Koneru Humpy, who won the bronze medal in 2022, has been left out of the women’s team for reasons unknown.

Narang also revealed that discussions are underway with coaches to organize a pre-event camp in late August to fine-tune the players’ skills before the Olympiad.

The previous edition of the Olympiad was hosted by India in 2022, where the hosts secured bronze medals in both the Open and Women’s categories. This year’s event will mark the 45th edition of the Olympiad, with Hungary hosting the prestigious tournament for the first time in an official capacity, having previously hosted the second unofficial Chess Olympiad in 1926.

Chess enthusiasts around the world are eagerly awaiting the showdown in Budapest, where Gukesh and Praggnanandhaa will look to make their mark and bring glory to Indian chess on the global stage.