Budapest, Hungary –India’s men’s chess team secured its first-ever gold medal in the Open category at the 45th Chess Olympiad on Sunday, September 22. The historic win came after a dominant performance in the final round against Slovenia, held at the SYMA Sports and Conference Center in Budapest.
Key victories by Arjun Erigaisi and Dommaraju Gukesh, both playing with black pieces, against Slovenia’s Jan Subelj and Vladimir Fedoseev respectively, ensured India an unassailable lead in the standings. With their round 11 victory, India surpassed China to claim the top spot and secure the Chess Olympiad gold for the first time in the nation’s history.
As of this writing, Indian players Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa and Vidit Santosh Gujrathi continue their matches against Anton Demchenko and Matej Sebenik, respectively, but the results will not affect India’s overall triumph. The Indian team is set to receive the coveted Chess Olympiad trophy during the post-tournament presentation later today.
Notably, Dommaraju Gukesh remained undefeated throughout the tournament, playing a crucial role in India’s path to victory. The International Chess Federation (FIDE) shared congratulations on social media, praising the team for their outstanding performance. “Congratulations to Gukesh D, Praggnanandhaa R, Arjun Erigaisi, Vidit Gujrathi, Pentala Harikrishna, and Captain Srinath Narayanan!” FIDE wrote in a post.
India’s men’s team remained unbeaten throughout the Olympiad, with standout performances from Gukesh and Erigaisi, who delivered key victories at crucial moments. They were strongly supported by Praggnanandhaa, Harikrishna, and Gujrathi.
This is India’s third medal at the Chess Olympiad, adding to their bronze finishes in 2014 (Tromsø, Norway) and 2022 (Chennai, India). The gold in Budapest marks a historic moment for Indian chess and cements the nation’s growing dominance on the global stage.
Medals in the Open Category for India:
- 🥉 2014 – Tromsø, Norway
- 🥉 2022 – Chennai, India
- 🥇 2024 – Budapest, Hungary
Key Points :
India Wins First Chess Olympiad Gold: India’s men’s chess team secured its maiden gold medal in the Open category at the 45th Chess Olympiad in Budapest, Hungary.
Victory Over Slovenia: Key victories by Arjun Erigaisi and Dommaraju Gukesh against Slovenia in the final round ensured India’s top spot in the standings.
Unbeaten Run: The Indian team remained unbeaten throughout the tournament, showcasing dominant performances.
Historic Achievement: This is India’s first-ever gold at the Chess Olympiad, adding to its previous bronze finishes in 2014 and 2022.
Key Players: Dommaraju Gukesh remained undefeated, with Arjun Erigaisi, Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa, Pentala Harikrishna, Vidit Santosh Gujrathi, and Captain Srinath Narayanan playing crucial roles.
FIDE Congratulates Team: The International Chess Federation (FIDE) congratulated India’s players for their historic achievement.
Trophy Presentation: India is set to receive the Chess Olympiad trophy during the post-tournament presentation ceremony.
India’s Chess Olympiad Medals: India has now won three medals in the Open category – bronze in 2014 and 2022, and gold in 2024.
