India achieved a historic feat at the 45th Chess Olympiad, clinching both the men’s and women’s gold medals for the very first time. This is a monumental achievement for Indian chess, showcasing the incredible talent and dedication of the players.

Men’s Team Secures Gold

The Indian men’s team defeated Slovenia in a thrilling final round match. Young stars D Gukesh, Arjun Erigaisi, and R Praggnanadhaa all emerged victorious in their individual matches, sealing the overall win for India. This victory marks a significant milestone, as the men’s team had previously only secured bronze medals in 2014 and 2022.

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Gukesh and Erigaisi Shine

Gukesh, already a rising star and a challenger for the World Championship, displayed his exceptional technical skills in his match against Vladimir Fedoseev. Erigaisi also showcased his prowess on the third board, winning against Jan Subeli.

Praggnanadhaa’s Crushing Victory

Adding to India’s dominance, Praggnanadhaa delivered a decisive win over Anton Demchenko, solidifying India’s lead over Slovenia. This remarkable performance resulted in a resounding 3-0 victory for India, with one match still to be played. Overall, the Indian men’s team achieved a stunning score of 21 points out of a possible 22, losing just a single draw throughout the tournament.

🇮🇳 India wins the 45th FIDE #ChessOlympiad! 🏆 ♟️

Congratulations to Gukesh D, Praggnanandhaa R, Arjun Erigaisi, Vidit Gujrathi, Pentala Harikrishna and Srinath Narayanan (Captain)! 👏 👏

Gukesh D beats Vladimir Fedoseev, and Arjun Erigaisi prevails against Jan Subelj; India… pic.twitter.com/jOGrjwsyJc

— International Chess Federation (@FIDE_chess) September 22, 2024

Women’s Team Completes the Double Gold

Following the men’s victory, the Indian women’s team delivered another incredible performance, defeating Azerbaijan 3.5-0.5 to claim the coveted gold medal. This completes a historic “double gold” for India at the Chess Olympiad.

Harika and Deshmukh Lead the Way

D Harika played flawlessly on the top board, securing a crucial win for India. Divya Deshmukh, already a contender for the individual gold medal, maintained her impressive form and emerged victorious in her match on the third board.

Vaishali Draws, Agrawal Clinches Victory

After R Vaishali drew her game, Vantika Agrawal delivered the final blow, winning her match and securing the overall victory for the Indian women’s team. This triumph marks a significant improvement from their previous bronze medal performance at the 2022 Chess Olympiad held in Chennai.

A Day to Celebrate Indian Chess

The 22nd of September 2024 will be forever etched in Indian chess history. The exceptional performances of both the men’s and women’s teams showcase the depth of talent and dedication within the sport. This historic double gold victory is a testament to the hard work and training of the players, their coaches, and the entire chess community in India. It’s a day of immense pride for the nation, marking a new chapter in the country’s chess legacy.