India made history by securing double gold at the 2024 Chess Olympiad, winning both the open and women's sections in Budapest. The Indian teams delivered a commanding performance in the final round, with both securing 3½-½ victories. Leading the charge in the open section were Dommaraju Gukesh and Arjun Erigaisi, while Divya Deshmukh and Vantika Agrawal shone in the women's section. Each of these players earned individual gold medals for their exceptional performances. The United States and Uzbekistan took silver and bronze in the open section, while Kazakhstan and the U.S. claimed the remaining podium spots in the women’s category.
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Historic Achievement in Indian Chess
India's triumph marks the second time in history that a country has won gold in both the open and women's sections since the Soviet Union's dominance in the 1980s. The last time a country achieved this was China in 2018. India had the opportunity to accomplish this feat two years ago in Chennai but fell short, winning double bronze instead. This year, however, both teams left no room for disappointment, securing their places at the top with emphatic final-round wins.
Final-Round Performances
India’s open team defeated Slovenia with victories from Gukesh, Erigaisi, and Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu, while the women’s team triumphed over Azerbaijan with wins from Harika Dronavalli, Deshmukh, and Agrawal. Both teams showcased aggressive and strategic play, opting for wins rather than playing it safe. Their assertive approach eliminated the need for tiebreaks and guaranteed outright victories.
Gukesh and Arjun’s Stellar Performances
Dommaraju Gukesh and Arjun Erigaisi not only contributed to their team’s success but also set new benchmarks. Gukesh, with a score of 9/10 and a tournament performance rating (TPR) of 3056, earned an individual gold medal and moved up to world number five in live ratings.
Arjun, with a TPR of 2968, also secured an individual gold. Their outstanding performances further solidified India's place as a chess powerhouse.
Women’s Team Shines
In the women’s section, Divya Deshmukh and Vantika Agrawal stood out with their individual performances. Deshmukh's 9.5/11 score and 2608 TPR propelled her to the 11th spot in the women’s world rankings at just 18 years old. Agrawal’s contributions were equally impressive, helping secure the gold for the Indian women’s team.
A Bright Future for Indian Chess
India’s historic double victory at the 2024 Chess Olympiad underscores the country’s rise as a global chess leader. With young talents like Gukesh, Arjun, Deshmukh, and Agrawal leading the charge, the future of Indian chess looks brighter than ever.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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