Budapest, Hungary: Indian chess prodigy D Gukesh has etched his name into history by leading India to its first-ever gold medal in the open section of the Chess Olympiad 2024. In an extraordinary performance during the 45th Olympiad, Gukesh’s victory in the final round has boosted India’s global chess standing, marking a monumental achievement for the country in the 97-year history of the event.
The Indian men’s team clinched gold after defeating the United States 2.5-1.5 in a nail-biting 10th round, with D Gukesh delivering a critical victory against renowned American Grandmaster Fabiano Caruana. The Olympiad, held in Budapest, Hungary, saw Gukesh a Grandmaster and World Championship challenger play with precision and skill to triumph over Caruana, securing India’s top spot in the open section for the very first time.
This historic win for India has drawn widespread praise, including from notable figures in the chess community. Grandmaster coach RB Ramesh, who mentors Praveen Thipsay and rising star Praggnanandhaa, hailed Gukesh’s contribution. Thipsay remarked that even if India had faltered in the 11th round, their strong tie-breaker score would have ensured gold. By remaining undefeated throughout the competition, the Indian team amassed 19 points, staying firmly at the top of the standings.
Indian Women’s Team Defeats China, Builds Momentum
Meanwhile, the Indian women’s team showcased their fighting spirit by defeating China 2.5-1.5 in the 10th round, marking a remarkable comeback after their previous draw against the United States. Divya Deshmukh was the standout performer for the women’s team, securing a crucial win, while teammates Vantika Agarwal, Vaishali, and Harika played to draws. With the win, the Indian women’s team is riding a wave of confidence as they continue their campaign in Budapest.
This Chess Olympiad has been a landmark event for Indian chess, signaling the country’s growing prominence on the global stage. D Gukesh’s historic victory, combined with the strong performances of both the men’s and women’s teams, represents a new era for India in international chess.
