India finishes at the top with historic Gold Medals at the 2024 Chess Olympiad

By
Teja Devathoti
-
10
AICF

In a landmark achievement, India secured double gold medals at the 2024 Chess Olympiad held in Budapest, Hungary. This historic victory marks a significant milestone in Indian chess, showcasing the country’s growing prowess on the global stage.

Triumph in the Open Section at the Chess Olympiad

The Indian men’s team, comprising D Gukesh, R Praggnanandhaa, Arjun Erigaisi, Vidit Gujrathi, and Pentala Harikrishna, delivered a stellar performance to clinch the gold medal in the open section. Their journey to the top was marked by consistent victories and strategic brilliance.

  • Key Matches: The team secured crucial wins against formidable opponents, including a decisive 3.5-0.5 victory over Slovenia in the final round. Gukesh and Erigaisi were particularly instrumental, with Gukesh winning 10 out of 11 games and Erigaisi delivering a flawless performance.
  • Individual Achievements: Both Gukesh and Erigaisi also won individual gold medals on boards 1 and 3, respectively. Their exceptional play was a testament to their skill and preparation.

Women’s Team Shines

The Indian women’s team, featuring Harika Dronavalli, R Vaishali, Divya Deshmukh, Vantika Agarwal, and Tania Sachdev, also made history by winning the gold medal in their section. This victory was particularly sweet as it marked the first time the Indian women’s team had won gold at the Chess Olympiad.

  • Decisive Matches: The women’s team secured a dominant 3.5-0.5 win over Azerbaijan in the final round. Their consistent performance throughout the tournament ensured they stayed ahead of strong competitors like Kazakhstan and the United States.
  • Standout Performances: Harika Dronavalli and R Vaishali were standout performers, with Harika’s experience and Vaishali’s youthful energy proving to be a winning combination.

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