India etched its name in chess history by claiming a maiden gold medal in the open section of the 2024 Chess Olympiad on Sunday. This triumphant victory came after a series of impressive performances that showcased the team’s exceptional talent and strategic prowess.
India’s title triumph was sealed in the final round, thanks to a crucial twist in the standings. Second-placed China suffered a setback, dropping points on two boards against the USA, opening a path for India to secure the top spot. Meanwhile, India’s star players, Arjun Erigaisi and D Gukesh, delivered crucial wins against Slovenia, further solidifying their position.
The Indian team’s journey to the gold medal was marked by near-flawless execution. They began the competition with an impressive string of eight consecutive victories, demonstrating their dominance from the outset. Although they faced a slight stumble, drawing against the defending champion Uzbekistan, they quickly returned to winning form. In a thrilling penultimate round clash, India triumphed over the top-seeded USA, effectively securing the gold medal before the final round.
This victory marked a significant milestone for Indian chess, surpassing their previous best performance at the Chess Olympiad, which was a bronze medal won on home soil in 2022. India had previously won a bronze in the 2014 edition. This gold medal victory is a testament to the growth and strength of Indian chess on the global stage, setting the stage for future success.
