Budapest, once synonymous with idyllic vacations, has become a landmark for Indian sports, witnessing not just Neeraj Chopra’s javelin throw gold at the World Athletics Championship in 2023 but also the Indian chess teams’ historic double gold at the Chess Olympiad 2024. This triumph, achieved in the “Land of Magyars,” marks a remarkable shift in the chess world, with India and other Asian nations emerging as new powerhouses.
India’s dominance at the Olympiad, a 13-day event involving 1,870 players from 193 countries, was evident from the start. The men’s team, seeded second behind the United States, displayed unwavering confidence and skill, winning 10 of their 11 rounds and drawing just once. Their success hinged on the formidable performances of D. Gukesh, Arjun Erigaisi, R. Praggnanandhaa, Vidit Gujrathi, and Pentala Harikrishna, each playing a crucial role in securing the coveted gold.
Gukesh, the standout performer, secured eight wins on the top board and achieved a remarkable performance rating of over 3000, solidifying his position as one of India’s top chess players. Praggnanandhaa, on the other hand, led the charge in the opening rounds, while Arjun’s strategic brilliance, particularly his checkmate against Peter Prohászka in the third round, showcased his tactical prowess.
The competition was intense, with India facing formidable opponents like China, the 2018 gold medal winner, and Uzbekistan, the defending champion. The clash against China was a highlight, with India’s bold game plan and Gukesh’s resilience against Wei Yi securing a significant victory.
The final round saw India clinch the gold after a thrilling showdown against Slovenia, a fitting end to a remarkable journey. The men’s team’s success was mirrored by the women’s team, who also achieved a first-time gold medal. This achievement was driven by the outstanding contributions of Divya Deshmukh and Vantika Agrawal on the bottom two boards, securing 14 of the team’s 23 wins and individual gold medals for their efforts.
The women’s category was fiercely contested, with India’s top-seeded team facing tough challenges from powerhouse teams like Czechia, Switzerland, and France. Despite a few setbacks, India’s resilience shone through, with critical wins against Kazakhstan, Poland, and China, ultimately setting the stage for their triumphant victory against Azerbaijan in the final round.
The Indian team’s success is a testament to their dedication, strategic brilliance, and team spirit. Notably, six out of the ten players are under 23, with an average age of less than 20 among the individual gold medallists. This signifies a promising future for Indian chess, with a new generation of players poised to take on the world stage.
The 45th Chess Olympiad marks a historic moment for India, a testament to the legacy of Viswanathan Anand and the rise of a new generation of chess stars. With double gold, India has firmly established its place as a global chess powerhouse, ready to dominate the future of the game.
