Chess
India win historic gold medals at 2024 Chess Olympiad
The Indian men's and women's teams have made history by winning gold medals at the 2024 Chess Olympiad.
Arjun Erigaisi and D Gukesh have made it to the top five in the latest FIDE live ratings.
India made history by winning gold medals in the women's and open sections at the 2024 Chess Olympiad, marking a historic achievement in the nation's chess history.
The women's team secured their maiden gold with a decisive victory (3.5-0.5) over Azerbaijan, featuring stellar performances from Divya Deshmukh, Harika Dronavalli, and Vantika Agarwal, showcasing their remarkable teamwork and skill.
In the open section also, India claimed its first-ever gold medal at the Chess Olympiad 2024.
The victorious Indian team comprised talented players D Gukesh, R Praggnanandhaa, Arjun Erigaisi, Vidit Gujrathi, Pentala Harikrishna, and team coach Srinath Narayanan.
India’s historic win was sealed after Arjun and D Gukesh, and Praggnandhaa clinched crucial victories in their respective games and won (3.5-0.5) the tie against the Slovenian team. This result allowed India to surge ahead and secure the top position.
The Indian team started the tournament in excellent form, winning their first eight ties before being held to a draw by the defending champions, Uzbekistan.
However, they quickly bounced back, defeating the USA in the penultimate round, which effectively ensured their gold medal finish.
This victory improves upon India’s previous best performance at the Chess Olympiad, where they won bronze medals in 2014 and 2022. The 2024 gold marks a new chapter in India's chess history, showcasing the country's rising strength in the global chess scene.
Additionally, individual gold medals were awarded to Divya, Vantika, Gukesh, and Arjun, each playing a crucial role in India’s success.
Notably, Arjun Erigaisi has risen to third in the world rankings, overtaking Fabiano Caruana, further solidifying India’s position as a powerhouse in the global chess community.
