Former world chess champion Garry Kasparov expressed his profound admiration for the Indian chess contingent after their momentous achievement at the 2024 Chess Olympiad, where they clinched double gold medals in both the men’s and women’s events. This remarkable victory unfolded in Budapest on September 22, marking a significant milestone in India's illustrious chess history. Kasparov, a legendary figure in the chess world known for his groundbreaking contributions to the game, praised the impressive growth and development of India's chess talents, affectionately referring to them as "Vishy's children," a nod to the legendary Viswanathan Anand, India's first grandmaster and a global chess icon.
In the fiercely contested men’s competition, the Indian team, led by the young prodigy D. Gukesh, showcased exceptional skill, determination, and strategic prowess. Their groundbreaking triumph over Slovenia in the final round was nothing short of sensational. Gukesh's outstanding performance, characterized by his sharp tactical awareness and composure under pressure, was pivotal to the team's success. Alongside him, teammate Arjun Erigaisi played a crucial role, contributing key victories that propelled India to their first-ever Chess Olympiad title. The Indian men’s team outperformed several formidable contenders, ultimately surpassing China to claim the title in the open section, a feat that will be celebrated in Indian sporting history.
The Indian women’s team also delivered a stellar performance, showcasing their dominance by overcoming Azerbaijan in the final round with an impressive score of 3.5-0.5. Harika Dronavalli, Divya Deshmukh, and Vantika Agrawal each secured crucial victories in their respective matches, while Vaishali Rameshbabu held a draw, solidifying their position as champions. However, despite their emphatic victory, the gold medal for the women's team was contingent on the USA’s performance against Kazakhstan, creating a tense atmosphere. Fortunately for India, the USA managed a 2-2 draw against Kazakhstan, thus securing India’s title and eliminating the need for tie-breaks, ensuring that the Indian women’s team could bask in their well-deserved glory.
In a heartfelt post celebrating this historic achievement on the social media platform X, Kasparov commended the Indian contingent, stating, "A very impressive double gold achievement by India. 'Vishy's children' are all grown up and chess is coming home!" He further acknowledged the presence of American flags on the podiums, emphasizing the increasingly global nature of the sport, which also saw notable performances from teams like Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, while interestingly omitting European teams from the top ranks. This reflects the evolving landscape of chess, where nations outside of Europe are making significant strides in competitive play.
Viswanathan Anand, whose legacy has greatly influenced a generation of Indian chess players, expressed his joy and pride at witnessing the team's remarkable performance. He particularly remarked on Gukesh’s extraordinary potential, suggesting that the young star could emerge as a serious contender for the World Championship title against the reigning champion Ding Liren. Anand’s confidence in Gukesh highlights the hope and expectation surrounding the next generation of Indian chess players, who are increasingly making their mark on the international stage and garnering recognition for their skills and achievements.
This dual triumph at the Chess Olympiad not only showcases the growth of chess in India but also underscores the dedication, hard work, and passion of these talented players. With this historic win, India has firmly established itself as a powerhouse in the chess world, solidifying its status and inspiring future generations to take up the game. The nation’s chess community, from budding players to seasoned grandmasters, is filled with renewed hope and motivation to continue their pursuit of excellence. As the chess world looks on, the future appears incredibly bright for Indian chess, with the potential for even more remarkable achievements on the horizon.
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