The Indian chess team’s exceptional performance at the Budapest Olympiad has solidified the country’s standing as a global chess powerhouse. Securing four individual gold medals and three team gold medals, India’s talented young players, supported by seasoned grandmasters, have etched their names in the annals of chess history. The Indian chess team wins historic gold at the Budapest Olympiad, cementing its position as a global chess powerhouse. Get the latest chess news and updates.
A Landmark Moment for Indian Chess
Recalling his first Olympiad in 1998, Grandmaster Abhijit Kunte, the captain of the women’s team, reminisced about Indian players seeking autographs from legends such as Garry Kasparov. Fast-forward to Budapest, and the tables have turned—Indian players are now being sought for autographs.
Triumphant Achievement at the Budapest Olympiad
India clinched victory in all three team categories:
- Hamilton-Russell Cup (open section)
- Vera Menchik Cup (women’s section)
- Nona Gaprindashvili Trophy (overall title)
Individual gold medals were claimed by:
- Gukesh
- Arjun Erigaisi
- Divya Deshmukh
- Vantika Agrawal
Unrivalled Performance
India’s open section team finished a remarkable four points ahead of the second-placed teams, which included the USA, Uzbekistan, China, Serbia, and Armenia.
The Ascendance of Indian Chess
Five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand attributes this success to the burgeoning chess culture in India:
“Two years ago, if such success had occurred in the Chennai Olympiad, it would have been a delightful surprise. However, today, it is a testament to India’s remarkable growth in chess.”
Indian Players on the Global Stage
Presently, three Indian players hold positions in the top 10 live world rankings:
- Gukesh
- Arjun Erigaisi
- Viswanathan Anand
Praggnanandhaa narrowly misses the top 10 rankings.
Triumph at the Candidates Tournament
Three Indian men and two women qualified for the April Candidates tournament. Notably, 17-year-old Gukesh has become the youngest player eligible for the World Championship.
Commendation from Garry Kasparov
Kasparov lauded India’s success, remarking, “India’s triumph in Toronto epitomises the seismic shift in the chess world… The successors of Vishy Anand are making their mark.”
Reflections from the Indian Team Captain
Srinath Narayanan emphasised the significance of the Olympiad gold, stating, “It establishes our dominance as a team and as a nation.”
The Future of Indian Chess
With a blend of youthful talent and seasoned grandmasters, India is poised to perpetuate its chess supremacy. The nation’s remarkable chess growth is expected to inspire a new generation of enthusiasts to embrace the sport.
Key Highlights
- India secured three team and four individual golds at the Budapest Olympiad.
- Three Indian players currently hold positions in the top 10 live world rankings.
- Gukesh was the youngest player to qualify for the World Championship.
- Its young prodigies and seasoned grandmasters propel India’s chess advancement.
- Indian Chess Team Wins Gold at Budapest Olympiad.
