Indian team win Gold at Chess Olympiad at Budapest in great style

 

The Indian team has made history at the Chess Olympiad by winning gold in both the men and women's categories for the first time at Budapest in Hungary . This is a tremendous achievement by a yoing team.

Before the final round against Slovenia, India had 19 points in 10 rounds, with China trailing at second place with 17 points. China lost points in two games against the USA in the last round, making India’s gold almost certain. However, India didn’t rely on other teams' performances. Indian players Gukesh, Arjun Erigaisi, and Praggnanandhaa won their respective matches.

Gukesh, ranked third in the world, opened against Slovenia, playing with black pieces against Vladimir Fedoseev. Despite playing with black, Gukesh faced no major challenges, and Vladimir could not defeat the 18-year-old Indian player. Gukesh is set to face China's Ding Liren for the World Championship, and this gold in the Chess Olympiad will surely boost his confidence. Arjun was the next to play, also with black pieces, and he defeated Slovenia’s Jan Subelj. With these two victories, India’s gold was secured. However, Praggnanandhaa didn't take his match lightly and went on to defeat Anton Demchenko.

Following the men's victory, the Indian women's team also clinched gold at the Olympiad. After defeating China in the 10th round, they were in prime position for gold. In the final round, India faced Azerbaijan, winning with a score of 3.5-0.5. D. Harika, Divya Deshmukh, and Vantika Agrawal won their matches, while Praggnanandhaa’s sister, Vaishali, secured a draw. This marks the first time the Indian women’s team has won gold at the Olympiad.