![Members of India's Open team celebrate with the winner's trophy at the 45th FIDE Chess Olympiad in Budapest, Hungary, September 22, 2024 [Denes Erdos/AP]](https://famedelivered.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/AP24266775341300-1727075098.webp)
India created history on Sunday as both the men’s and women’s teams claimed their first-ever gold medals at the 45th Chess Olympiad. The men’s team triumphed over Slovenia, while the women’s team outplayed Azerbaijan to clinch the prestigious title, marking a double gold for India in the tournament.
Men’s Team Dominates Slovenia
The Indian men’s team, featuring D Gukesh, Arjun Erigaisi, and R Praggnanandhaa, demonstrated exceptional skill in the 11th and final round against Slovenia. Each player contributed crucial wins to secure a 3-0 victory.
- Gukesh, at just 18 years old, showcased a brilliant strategic display as he won a hard-fought game against Vladimir Fedoseev.
- Arjun Erigaisi added to India’s tally by defeating Jan Subeli using the Centre Counter Defense.
- Praggnanandhaa delivered a crushing victory over Anton Demchenko, further solidifying India’s dominance.
India’s men finished with an impressive 21 points out of a possible 22, conceding only one draw to Uzbekistan while defeating all other opponents.
Women’s Team Clinches the Title
In a parallel display of brilliance, the Indian women’s team secured a 3.5-0.5 victory against Azerbaijan. Key performances from D Harika, Divya Deshmukh, R Vaishali, and Vantika Agrawal ensured India’s place at the top.
- D Harika and Divya Deshmukh were instrumental in securing wins for the team, with Deshmukh earning individual gold on the third board.
- Vantika Agrawal added another brilliant win, and R Vaishali drew her match to confirm India’s triumph.
A Milestone Moment for Indian Chess
This double gold represents a monumental achievement for Indian chess. The men’s team previously secured bronze in 2014 and 2022, while the women’s team earned bronze at the 2022 Olympiad in Chennai. However, this marks the first time India has won gold in both categories.
India’s historic double victory at the Chess Olympiad 2024 will be remembered as a proud moment in the nation’s sporting history, further establishing the country’s growing influence in the world of chess.
