India’s chess campaign received a major boost in the ninth round of the 46th Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, as the men’s team defeated Germany 2.5-1.5 and the women’s side secured a convincing 3-1 win over hosts Uzbekistan. With only two rounds left, both Indian teams remain firmly in the medal race.

For India, the ninth round of the 2026 Chess Olympiad produced two very different but equally important victories.

The men had to survive a serious challenge from Germany before emerging 2.5-1.5 winners, with reigning world champion D Gukesh producing the decisive result. The women, meanwhile, were far more comfortable, defeating Uzbekistan 3-1 to keep their hopes of a podium finish alive.

The results have intensified the race at the top of both sections, with just two rounds remaining in the 46th Chess Olympiad in Samarkand.

Gukesh produces a crucial comeback

The biggest moment of India's victory over Germany came on the top board, where Gukesh faced Alexander Donchenkov.

For much of the game, the Indian world champion appeared to be in serious trouble. Donchenkov managed to put Gukesh under sustained pressure, and the position increasingly looked as though it could produce a major upset.

Gukesh, however, refused to let the game slip away.

The Indian star gradually created counterplay and eventually turned a difficult position completely around. His attack gathered momentum at precisely the moment India needed it most, culminating in a mating attack against Donchenkov's king.

The comeback transformed what had looked like a potential German victory into a 2.5-1.5 win for India.

It was also an important individual performance for Gukesh, who has faced enormous expectations since becoming world champion. The ability to remain resilient in a difficult position and find winning chances when the game appeared to be moving away from him once again proved decisive for the Indian team.

Praggnanandhaa, Arjun and Nihal settle for draws

While Gukesh supplied the match-winning point, India's other three boards produced draws.

R Praggnanandhaa was paired with Germany's Vincent Keymer, with neither player able to establish the advantage needed to force a decisive result.

On the second board, Arjun Erigaisi drew with Matthias Bluebaum, while Nihal Sarin shared the point with Frederik Svane.

The three draws meant Gukesh's victory became even more valuable. With the match otherwise locked at level scores across the boards, his win provided the difference between a draw and another crucial team victory.

India's overall tally moved to 15 points, keeping the defending champions in contention for a podium finish with two rounds still to play.

The result was particularly significant given the unpredictable nature of the tournament. Germany had already demonstrated that it could challenge the leading teams, making India's narrow victory an important result at this stage of the competition.

Uzbekistan strengthens its position in the open section

While India was battling Germany, Uzbekistan was involved in another crucial encounter against the top-seeded United States.

The hosts emerged with a 2.5-1.5 victory, strengthening their position at the summit of the open section.

Nodirbek Abdusattorov and Nodirbek Yakubboev delivered the decisive victories for Uzbekistan against Fabiano Caruana and Hans Niemann, respectively.

The United States did manage a win on the second board, where Wesley So defeated Javokhir Sindarov, but that result was not enough to prevent Uzbekistan from taking the match.

The Uzbek victory has left the open-section title race finely poised as the Olympiad approaches its closing stages.

For India, the challenge is now clear: the team must continue collecting match points over the final two rounds if it is to secure a place on the podium.

Indian women dominate Uzbekistan

The women's competition brought more straightforward success for India.

The Indian women's team defeated Uzbekistan 3-1, with Divya Deshmukh and Vantika Agrawal recording victories.

Koneru Humpy and Savitha Shri drew their respective games, giving India the overall 3-1 scoreline.

Unlike the men's match, where India's victory came down to a dramatic turnaround on the top board, the women's encounter was controlled more comfortably.

The result was particularly valuable because India entered the final phase of the tournament still within reach of the leading positions.

China, however, remains in command of the women's standings. The Chinese team recorded another 3-1 victory, this time against Armenia, taking its tally to 17 points.

India is two points behind China, setting up the possibility of a hugely significant meeting between the two teams in the penultimate round.

China stands between India and the women's title race

With two rounds remaining, the women's competition has developed into a battle of consistency.

China's latest victory has given it a two-point advantage over its nearest challengers, including India. That margin provides the Chinese side with some breathing room, but it does not put the title beyond India's reach.

A victory for India in a potential meeting with China could dramatically change the standings and make the final round even more consequential.

The individual boards could also become important.

China has Zhu Jiner on the top board, while India can call upon the experience of Koneru Humpy. Humpy has not had her strongest tournament so far, but her experience at the highest level gives India an important asset as the competition enters its decisive phase.

India will also have the confidence generated by the performances of Divya Deshmukh and Vantika Agrawal, whose wins against Uzbekistan provided the foundation for the team's latest victory.

Two rounds remain and every point matters

The ninth round has left the Indian teams in contrasting but promising positions.

The men's side now has 15 points after defeating Germany and remains in contention for a medal. The women's team, meanwhile, continues to chase the leading Chinese side after its emphatic victory over Uzbekistan.

For Gukesh and the men's team, the immediate task is to maintain momentum. Their latest victory was not merely another match win; it was a test of their ability to survive pressure against a dangerous opponent.

For the women, the equation is more straightforward. India needs to keep winning while hoping to close the gap on China, with a potential direct clash between the two sides looming large.

The 2026 Chess Olympiad has already delivered dramatic swings, unexpected results and intense battles among the world's strongest chess nations. With only two rounds left, there is little room for error.

India now enters the final stretch with both teams still carrying realistic medal ambitions. The men's victory over Germany has kept their campaign alive, while the women's 3-1 triumph over Uzbekistan has ensured that their challenge remains very much intact.

In a tournament where a single board can decide an entire team match, Gukesh's remarkable comeback may prove to be one of the most important moments of India's campaign. The next two rounds will determine whether that resilience can ultimately translate into another Olympiad medal for India.

With input from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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