India is set to make a strong showing at the 45th Chess Olympiad, entering the open section as the second-seeded team with an impressive average rating of 2755. This puts them just behind the USA (2758), setting the stage for a thrilling competition. Leading the charge for India is a formidable lineup of rising stars and seasoned veterans.
Among the ranks are championship challenger D. Gukesh, world No. 4 Arjun Erigaisi, and world No. 12 R. Praggnanandhaa, all showcasing exceptional talent and potential. Their ambition is bolstered by the experience and expertise of Vidit Gujrathi and Pentala Harikrishna, ensuring a well-rounded and formidable team.
India’s past performance in the Chess Olympiad highlights their consistent excellence. They have secured bronze medals in the open category twice, once in the 2014 edition hosted in Norway and again in 2022 when they hosted the competition. Furthermore, India has also tasted success in the online format, winning a shared gold (with Russia) in the 2020 Chess Online Olympiad and a bronze in 2021. Their achievements culminated in the 2022 Gaprindashvili Trophy, awarded to the team with the best overall performance across the open and women’s divisions.
With such a powerful team and a history of success, India enters the Chess Olympiad as a formidable contender, aiming to challenge for the top spot and leave their mark on the international chess stage.
