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India's chess prowess has reached unprecedented heights, with the nation securing a historic double gold at the 45th International Chess Federation (FIDE) Chess Olympiad in Budapest. This achievement is not merely a victory but a testament to India's rising dominance in the world of chess, marking the beginning of what many are calling India's reign as the 'best chess nation in the world'.
The Indian contingent left its mark on the prestigious tournament by winning both the men's and women's team championships, a feat previously unattained. This victory was amplified by four individual gold medals, further solidifying India's supremacy. Gukesh Dommaraju (Gukesh D), Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa, and Arjun Erigaisi secured gold in the men's Open event, showcasing their tactical brilliance and strategic mastery. On the women's side, Harika Dronavalli, Vaishali Rameshbabu, Divya Deshmukh, Vantika Agrawal, and Tania Sachdev combined their skills to clinch the top spot, demonstrating the depth of talent within India's women's chess scene.
Individual gold medals were awarded to Gukesh, Erigaisi, Deshmukh, and Agrawal, highlighting their exceptional performance on their respective boards. Deshmukh's undefeated run, winning seven out of eleven games, particularly stood out as a testament to her resilience and strategic prowess. This triumph is a culmination of years of dedication and hard work by the Indian players, their coaches, and the chess community at large. The success can be traced back to the pioneering work of Viswanathan Anand, a five-time world champion, who paved the way for a new generation of Indian chess players. These young talents, including Gukesh, Erigaisi, and Praggnanandhaa, have grown into world-class players, consistently pushing the boundaries of the game and inspiring future generations.
The Indian men's team showcased its dominance with an impressive 27 wins out of 44 matches, losing only once and drawing six. Their final round victory against Slovenia, a 3.5-0.5 score, solidified their championship claim. The women's team mirrored this success with a decisive 3.5-0.5 win against Azerbaijan in their final round match. The significance of this achievement is not lost on the chess community, with prominent figures like Anand and Susan Polgar celebrating India's victory and predicting a future of continued success. Polgar, a Hungarian American chess great, has even predicted that this team will remain on top for years to come.
The Chess Olympiad victory is more than just a sporting triumph. It signifies India's growing stature in the global chess landscape, with a new generation of players ready to carry the torch forward. India's dominance at the Olympiad is a testament to the commitment, dedication, and talent within the country's chess community, promising an exciting future for Indian chess.
Source: India wins historic double team gold at FIDE Chess Olympiad 2024