India Dominates 2024 Chess Olympiad with Historic Double Victory

India made history at the 2024 Chess Olympiad in Budapest by achieving a double victory in both the open and women’s sections. This remarkable feat marked only the second time since Soviet times that a country had won gold in both categories. The Soviet Union had previously dominated with double golds between 1980 and 1986, interrupted only by the Hungarian women’s team led by the Polgar sisters in 1988 and 1990.

In the open section, India’s team delivered a dominant performance, finishing 4 points ahead of their closest rivals and setting a new record in match points under the current Olympiad format. Individually, players like Dommaraju Gukesh and Arjun Erigaisi set new benchmarks, with Gukesh’s stellar performance earning him a significant boost in the world rankings.

The women’s team, although not as dominant as the open team, maintained control throughout the event and secured gold with impressive wins in the final rounds. Players like Divya Deshmukh and Vantika Agrawal stood out with their exceptional performances, showcasing the emerging talent in Indian women’s chess.

In the end, the United States and Uzbekistan grabbed silver and bronze in the open section, while Kazakhstan and the United States reached the podium in the women’s section. The event highlighted the strength and depth of talent in international chess, with teams like Serbia and Armenia also putting up commendable performances.

Overall, India’s historic double victory at the 2024 Chess Olympiad showcased their dominance in the sport and solidified their position as a powerhouse in the world of chess.