At the 2024 Chess Olympiad held in Budapest, India achieved a monumental milestone by clinching gold medals in both the men's and women's sections, marking an unprecedented moment in the nation's chess history. This was the first time that both teams won gold, underscoring India's rise as a powerhouse in the chess world. The Indian men's team, consisting of exceptional players D. Gukesh, R. Praggnanandhaa, Arjun Erigaisi, Vidit Gujrathi, and Pentala Harikrishna, displayed remarkable skill and resilience throughout the tournament. They finished with an impressive total of 21 points—four points ahead of their closest competitors, the United States—and only suffered one loss during the entire event.
Legendary chess player Viswanathan Anand spoke to India Today about the significance of India's performance, expressing his astonishment at the level of dominance exhibited by the men's team. He likened their success to that of the historically formidable Soviet teams, which were known for their consistent victories and prowess in international competitions. Anand noted that while India entered the tournament as one of the contenders, their ability to not only compete but to dominate was unexpected and truly remarkable.Â
Gukesh, who recently excelled in the Candidates Tournament earlier this year, delivered one of the greatest individual performances in Chess Olympiad history, scoring 9 out of 10 points. His standout victory came when he defeated the highly ranked Fabiano Caruana in a crucial match against the USA, demonstrating his exceptional talent and composure under pressure. Meanwhile, Arjun Erigaisi and Vidit Gujrathi enjoyed winning streaks, and R. Praggnanandhaa showcased his ability to hold firm in critical moments, contributing significantly to the team’s overall success.
The women's team, featuring talented players Harika Dronavalli, R Vaishali, Divya Deshmukh, Vantika Agrawal, and Tania Sachdev, also had a remarkable tournament. Their performance added to the historic double victory for India, further highlighting the nation’s growing strength in chess. This achievement was especially significant given that India had only begun to find its footing in international women’s chess recently, having secured a bronze medal in the 2022 Olympiad.
Anand reminisced about India's journey in the Chess Olympiad, recalling how the team's aspirations have evolved over the years. India first won a medal in 2014—a bronze in the men’s section—and followed up with another bronze in 2022. The current expectation for both teams to perform at such a high level reflects a significant transformation in India's chess culture. Anand remarked that the expectation for the teams to win gold marks a departure from previous years when they would merely aim for respectable finishes.
Moreover, India’s success in Budapest allowed them to secure the Gaprindashvili Cup, awarded for the best-combined results in both the open and women's sections, further solidifying their status on the global stage. Anand expressed confidence that this current generation of players will continue to be strong contenders in future competitions, predicting that India will remain a dominant force in chess for at least the next decade. The overall triumph at the 2024 Chess Olympiad not only serves as a testament to the players' dedication and skill but also inspires a new generation of chess enthusiasts in India.
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