India celebrated a groundbreaking moment as its chess team clinched their maiden Chess Olympiad title on September 22, 2024. Playing in Budapest, India outclassed Slovenia in the final round, overtaking China to secure the gold medal in the open section.
Key to India’s success were stellar performances by D Gukesh and Arjun Erigaisi. Their victories helped India edge past the competition, including top-seeded USA and defending champions Uzbekistan. Both Gukesh and Arjun played pivotal roles, with Gukesh defeating higher-ranked Caruana, and Arjun maintaining an outstanding score throughout the tournament.
India started the tournament with eight consecutive wins, establishing their dominance early. Although they were briefly held to a draw by Uzbekistan, they bounced back with a strong win over the USA, securing their path to victory. A crucial match against Iran on September 20 further boosted their lead, setting the stage for the final round against Slovenia.
World number four Arjun Erigaisi and World Championship contender Gukesh were at the forefront of India’s success. Arjun’s outstanding performance brought him close to the elite 2800-rating mark, making him only the second Indian, after Viswanathan Anand, to potentially reach this milestone. Gukesh, not far behind, also achieved a personal rating of 2785, marking a historic moment with two Indians now in the top five global rankings.
Gukesh’s smile says it all 🙂
With this win India secures its first-ever gold in a #ChessOlympiad! 🏆 pic.twitter.com/Ha1hUeSFPA
— International Chess Federation (@FIDE_chess) September 22, 2024
India’s comprehensive 3.5-0.5 victory over Iran showcased their tactical brilliance. Arjun’s aggressive play with the black pieces overwhelmed Daneshvar, while Gukesh strategically outplayed Maghsoodloo. Vidit Gujrathi and Praggnanandhaa also contributed significantly to the team’s triumph.
India’s Chess Olympiad 2024 victory is a landmark achievement, reflecting the country’s growing prominence in the global chess arena. With rising stars like Arjun and Gukesh leading the way, the future looks bright for Indian chess on the world stage.
