Mon Sep 23 11:11:58 UTC 2024: ## Indian Chess Teams Celebrate Double Gold with Rohit Sharma-Inspired Celebrations
**Budapest, Hungary:** The Indian chess team created history at the 2024 Chess Olympiad, securing double gold in both the men’s and women’s divisions. The triumphant team, brimming with joy, celebrated their victory with a unique tribute to Indian cricket captain Rohit Sharma.
Following their historic wins, the Indian chess players were spotted mimicking Lionel Messi’s iconic walk celebration from the 2022 FIFA World Cup, a move that echoes Sharma’s celebratory gesture after India’s T20 World Cup 2024 triumph earlier this year.
The men’s team, led by D Gukesh, achieved their first-ever Olympiad win in the division. Gukesh, who remained undefeated throughout the tournament, secured his second individual gold medal, showcasing his exceptional talent. Arjun Erigaisi, another standout performer, won 10 out of 11 matches, contributing significantly to India’s dominant performance.
The women’s team, comprising Harika Dronavalli, Vaishali Rameshbabu, Divya Deshmukh, Vantika Agrawal, Tania Sachdev, and Abhijit Kunte, clinched gold after a thrilling final round against Azerbaijan. The team, with Harika, Divya, and Vantika securing wins and Vaishali drawing her match, secured a 3.5-0.5 victory.
India’s triumph, however, hinged on the outcome of the match between the USA and Kazakhstan. A win by Kazakhstan would have forced a tie-break scenario. Thankfully, the USA managed to hold Kazakhstan to a 2-2 draw, ultimately crowning India as champions in the women’s open section competition.
The Indian chess teams’ double gold win is a testament to their hard work and dedication, showcasing their prowess on the global stage. Their victory, coupled with their celebratory tribute to Rohit Sharma, serves as a powerful symbol of India’s growing sporting excellence.
First Piper 