Asian games 2023: India’s Squad of Chess

The highly anticipated Asian Games 2023 are set to take place in Hangzhou, People’s Republic of China, from September 23 to October 8, following a one-year delay due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. With a span of 15 days, this continental extravaganza will encompass an array of 40 sports, gathering Asia’s most accomplished athletes to compete for prestigious titles and recognition.

Also read: Asian games 2023: Squad for Cricket

Among the participating nations, India boasts a remarkable legacy at the quadrennial event, with its engagement intensifying over the past few decades. In a demonstration of their commitment, India is set to dispatch a contingent of 634 athletes to the Asian Games 2023, representing 38 diverse sports. The largest representation is in the realm of athletics, with a formidable team of 65 participants.

In retrospect, the preceding edition of the Asian Games, hosted in Jakarta in 2018, witnessed the Indian delegation consisting of 570 athletes competing across 36 sports. However, the forthcoming event bears the official nomenclature of the “19th Asian Games Hangzhou 2022,” a nomenclature that underscores the event’s initial schedule in the preceding year but necessitated a rescheduling due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

A highlight within this multifaceted sporting spectacle is the chess contingent that India will field. Comprising both men’s and women’s teams, the Indian chess ensemble includes accomplished players who have made a mark on the international stage. The men’s division comprises of stalwarts such as Gukesh D, Vidit Gujrathi, Arjun Erigaisi, Pentala Harikrishna, and Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa. Their collective expertise and strategic prowess are expected to make significant contributions to the Indian medal tally.

In the women’s category, India presents a formidable lineup featuring the likes of Koneru Humpy, Harika Dronavalli, Vaishali Rameshbabu, Vantika Agrawal, and Savitha Shri B. These players have exhibited exceptional skill and resilience, carving a niche for themselves in the international chess arena.

As the Asian Games 2023 draws near, the anticipation for exceptional performances from the Indian chess contingent intensifies. With a history of remarkable accomplishments and a growing roster of talented athletes, India is poised to make a lasting impression on the continental stage. The resilience displayed by athletes amidst the challenges posed by the pandemic exemplifies the spirit of sportsmanship and dedication that the Asian Games embody. As the event unfolds, the world will witness the fusion of strategy, intellect, and determination, as the Indian chess squad competes for the highest honors in the mind sport category, adding to India’s rich sporting legacy.