India has etched its name in the annals of chess history by securing a historic double gold at the Chess Olympiad 2024. The Indian team emerged victorious in both the open and women’s sections, a first for the nation. This triumph was the culmination of exceptional individual performances by D. Gukesh, Arjun Erigaisi, and Divya Deshmukh, all of whom secured individual gold medals.
The Indian contingent showcased their prowess throughout the tournament, held at the SYMA Sports and Conference Centre in Budapest, Hungary. In the open section, India dominated, winning an impressive ten out of eleven rounds. Their only draw came against the defending champion, Uzbekistan. In the women’s section, India was equally formidable, securing nine wins out of eleven rounds.
D. Gukesh, a rising star in the chess world, delivered a phenomenal tournament, scoring nine points in ten games and earning the individual gold medal on the top board. His exceptional performance not only contributed significantly to the team’s success but also propelled his FIDE rating to new heights, nearing the prestigious 2800 mark.
Arjun Erigaisi, another Indian grandmaster, also shone brightly, scoring ten points in eleven games. His consistent brilliance earned him the individual gold on board three, further solidifying India’s dominance. Like Gukesh, Erigaisi’s stellar performance pushed his FIDE rating towards the coveted 2800 benchmark.
Divya Deshmukh, a new addition to the women’s team, quickly established herself as a force to be reckoned with. She participated in all matches and amassed 9.5 points, securing the crucial victory in the final match and clinching the individual gold medal on board three.
India’s exceptional performance at the Chess Olympiad 2024 extended beyond the team gold medals. The team also retained the prestigious Gaprindashvili Trophy, awarded to the team with the best overall performance across the open and women’s sections. This achievement underscores India’s remarkable dominance in the chess world and its potential for continued success on the global stage.
