Indian Chess Team Makes History with Gold Medals in Men’s and Women’s Categories at 45th Chess Olympiad

The Indian Chess team made history on Sunday by securing their first-ever gold medals in both the men’s and women’s categories at the 45th Chess Olympiad held in Budapest, Hungary. In a thrilling final round, the Indian men’s team defeated Slovenia, while the women’s team emerged victorious against Azerbaijan.

The men’s team, led by standout performances from D Gukesh, Arjun Erigaisi, and R Praggnanadhaa, dominated their opponents to claim the gold medal. Gukesh’s exceptional performance earned him a live rating of 2794, placing him at World No. 5, while Erigaisi finished with a live rating of 2797, ranking him at World No. 3.

In the women’s category, D Harika and Divya Deshmukh showcased their skills to secure the gold medal for the team. With R Vaishali and Vantika Agrawal also contributing to the team’s success, the Indian women’s team displayed exceptional teamwork and determination.

This victory marks a significant milestone for Indian chess, as the men’s team had previously won two bronze medals, and the women’s team had secured a bronze in the 2022 edition. The achievement was celebrated by politicians as well, with former Congress chief Rahul Gandhi congratulating the team for their outstanding performance.

Gandhi praised the team’s talent, strategies, and dedication, expressing pride in their golden victory. The Indian Chess team’s historic win has not only brought glory to the country but has also inspired chess enthusiasts nationwide.