Sun Sep 22 21:11:22 UTC 2024: ## India Makes History, Wins Double Gold at Chess Olympiad

**Budapest, Hungary:** In a historic victory, India dominated the 45th Chess Olympiad, securing gold medals in both the Open (men’s) and Women’s categories. The Indian teams, led by stellar performances from rising stars like D Gukesh and Arjun Erigaisi, conquered their final opponents, Slovenia and Azerbaijan respectively, in Round 11 to seal their victories.

The Open team, boasting a two-point lead over China, secured the gold with a resounding 3.5-0.5 victory over Slovenia. Arjun Erigaisi’s win over Jan Subelj proved crucial, while D Gukesh’s victory against Vladimir Fedoseev cemented their dominance. The team’s success was highlighted by Gukesh’s remarkable 9/10 score, breaking the 3000+ performance rating mark – a first in this tournament.

The Women’s team also secured a historic first for India, winning gold with a 3.5-0.5 victory over Azerbaijan. Harika Dronavalli, Vaishali Rameshbabu, Divya Deshmukh, Vantika Agrawal, and Tania Sachdev played with impressive strength and determination, securing a crucial win after a tense battle with Kazakhstan for the top spot.

India’s victory marks a significant moment for the country’s chess scene. Their stellar performance at the Olympiad not only showcases their talent but also inspires future generations of chess players.

Reactions to India’s triumph were overwhelmingly positive, with fans and fellow chess players expressing immense pride and admiration. The teams themselves reflected on their journey, highlighting the hard work and dedication that fueled their success. This historic achievement is sure to have a lasting impact on the Indian chess community, propelling the sport forward to new heights.

Read More