Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya Felicitates Indian Chess Teams for Historic Gold Medal Wins at 45th Olympiad
Indian Chess Teams Make History with Gold Medals at 45th Olympiad in Budapest
New Delhi, Sep 26 (PTI) – The Indian men’s and women’s chess teams have made the nation proud with their historic achievement of winning gold medals at the 45th Olympiad in Budapest. Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya felicitated the teams for their outstanding performance.
In the men’s competition, D Gukesh, Arjun Erigaisi, and R Praggnanandhaa secured decisive wins in the final round against Slovenia, leading to their gold medal victory. The women’s team also showcased their skills by overcoming Azerbaijan to claim the top spot.
Mandaviya highlighted India’s deep-rooted connection with chess, stating that the teams have not only brought pride to the nation but have also honored the country’s traditional heritage. He emphasized that India’s strength lies not only in manpower but also in brainpower.
The minister reiterated the government’s commitment to nurturing talent across all sports disciplines and expressed the ambition to position India among the top five sporting nations by 2024. He encouraged the medalists to serve as ambassadors for the youth, inspiring the next generation to prioritize the spirit of ‘Nation First.’
Mandaviya also invited the players to participate in the Ministry’s Viksit Bharat Ambassador – Yuva Connect Programme, aimed at channeling youth energy towards realizing the Prime Minister’s vision for a developed India by 2047.
During the event, Mandaviya engaged in a friendly chess match with world championship challenger D Gukesh, who secured eight wins in 11 rounds at the Olympiad to win the individual gold medal along with teammate Arjun Erigaisi in the Open section. Divya Deshmukh and Vantika Agrawal also clinched the gold in the Women’s section.
The achievements of the Indian chess teams at the Olympiad have not only brought glory to the nation but have also showcased the talent and dedication of Indian athletes on the global stage. The government’s support and encouragement towards sports excellence continue to pave the way for India’s success in the sporting arena.