Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya Felicitates Indian Chess Teams for Historic Gold Medal Wins at 45th Olympiad

Indian Chess Teams Make History at 45th Olympiad in Budapest

Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya honored the Indian men’s and women’s chess teams for their remarkable achievement of clinching gold medals at the 45th Olympiad in Budapest. The men’s team, comprised of D Gukesh, Arjun Erigaisi, and R Praggnanandhaa, secured victory in the final round against Slovenia. Similarly, the women’s team emerged victorious against Azerbaijan to claim their gold medal.

Mandaviya commended the teams for their outstanding performance, stating, “By winning on the global stage, you have not only made the entire nation proud but have also honored the legacy of our traditional heritage.” He emphasized India’s prowess in chess and the government’s dedication to fostering talent across all sports disciplines.

The Sports Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting athletes and its goal of positioning India among the top five sporting nations by 2024. Mandaviya encouraged the medalists to inspire the youth by sharing their stories of hard work and resilience, urging them to embody the spirit of ‘Nation First.’

During the felicitation event, Mandaviya engaged in a friendly chess match with D Gukesh, who, along with Arjun Erigaisi, secured individual gold medals in the Open section. Divya Deshmukh and Vantika Agrawal also claimed gold in the Women’s section.

As India aims to become a developed nation, sporting achievements like these play a crucial role in shaping the country’s global identity. The Sports Minister invited the medalists to participate in the Ministry’s Viksit Bharat Ambassador – Yuva Connect Programme, aimed at empowering youth to contribute to India’s development goals by 2047.

The historic triumph of the Indian chess teams at the Olympiad not only showcases the country’s talent but also highlights the potential for future success on the international stage.