2024 has proven to be a watershed moment for Indian sports, especially for chess. While India celebrated significant victories in cricket, the Olympics, and the Paralympics, it was the extraordinary achievement in the 45th Chess Olympiad that truly stood out. India won its first-ever gold in both the men’s and women’s categories, marking a new chapter in Indian chess history.
From Bronze to Gold: A Decade of Progress
India’s journey to chess supremacy began in 2014 when the country won its first-ever Chess Olympiad medal—a bronze in the open category in Tromsø, Norway. Eight years later, in Chennai, India doubled its tally with two bronzes—one in the open and another in the women’s category. The 45th Chess Olympiad, held in Budapest, Hungary, brought India its long-awaited gold in both sections.
For decades, the tournament had been dominated by the Soviet Union and, later, Russia. Other nations such as Ukraine, Armenia, and China also began asserting themselves on the chessboard. On this historic Sunday, however, India’s gold-medal victories in Budapest signaled the nation’s arrival as a global chess superpower. Unlike earlier eras, where India relied on the brilliance of one individual—Viswanathan Anand—the current era boasts a collective team effort that is consistently winning on the world stage.
Gukesh and Erigaisi: Leading the Charge
Key to India’s triumph in Budapest were two rising stars: D Gukesh and Arjun Erigaisi. Gukesh, who has had an extraordinary year, dominated the tournament with a performance rating of 3056, winning his second consecutive individual Olympiad gold. His most significant moment came during India’s Round 10 clash with the USA, where he defeated former world No. 3 Fabiano Caruana. This victory proved crucial in boosting the team’s morale and paved the way for India to secure the gold.
Gukesh’s performance has only elevated his standing in the chess world. He recently became the youngest champion of the prestigious Candidates Tournament in Toronto, earning a shot at the World Chess Championship against China’s Ding Liren later this year. Despite his individual successes, Gukesh remains focused on the team’s accomplishments. “I did not really think about the individual performance much. I just wanted the team to win,” he remarked after India’s victory.
Arjun Erigaisi also played a pivotal role in India’s success. He won individual gold in Board 3 with a rating of 2968, dislodging Caruana from the world No. 3 spot. His victory over Jan Subelj of Slovenia in Round 11 confirmed India’s gold-medal win, making it one of the greatest moments in Indian chess history. Erigaisi’s triumphs, combined with Gukesh’s, place two Indians among the top five players in the world.
Women’s Team Shines: Divya Deshmukh and Vantika Agrawal
In the women’s section, Divya Deshmukh and Vantika Agrawal emerged as the standout performers. Deshmukh’s resilience in the eighth-round match against Poland was critical to India’s gold medal win. She finished the tournament with eight wins and three draws, demonstrating her rising stature in global chess. Agrawal, with six wins out of nine, also contributed significantly to India’s success.
The team effort extended beyond just these two players. The contributions of R Vaishali, Harika Dronavalli, and Tania Sachdev were essential in securing India’s historic gold. The team’s ability to stay composed and deliver under pressure reflects the depth of talent and determination in Indian women’s chess.
A New Generation Shaped by a Chess Legend
India’s meteoric rise in chess over the past decade owes much to the influence of Viswanathan Anand, India’s first Grandmaster and a five-time world champion. Since earning the title in 1988, Anand has not only dominated the chess world but has also been instrumental in nurturing the next generation of Indian chess players. His guidance and mentorship have played a significant role in shaping the careers of Gukesh, Praggnanandhaa, and other rising stars.
Anand’s legacy is unparalleled in Indian chess. His remarkable career achievements, including multiple world titles and his breakthrough of crossing the 2800 Elo rating, have left an indelible mark on the sport. More than a player, Anand has become a mentor, guiding Indian chess in the way that Prakash Padukone and Pullela Gopichand have done for Indian badminton.
The Dawn of a Golden Era
The success of Gukesh, Arjun, Praggnanandhaa, and Divya signals the start of a new golden era for Indian chess. These players are no longer isolated prodigies; they represent a larger wave of talent that is poised to dominate the global chess scene for years to come. Praggnanandhaa’s recent victory over world No. 1 Magnus Carlsen and Arjun’s rise to the No. 3 spot in the world rankings are further evidence of India’s chess revolution.
For Gukesh, all eyes are now on his upcoming World Championship match against Ding Liren. While the Chinese team chose to avoid a Gukesh vs. Liren face-off in Budapest, Gukesh’s Olympiad performance has already sent a clear message: he is ready for the world title.
The Road Ahead for Indian Chess
India’s double gold victory in Budapest is a monumental achievement that underscores the country’s chess revolution. From Viswanathan Anand’s pioneering accomplishments to the rise of new stars like Gukesh, Erigaisi, and Divya Deshmukh, India has cemented its place as a global chess powerhouse. As the nation continues to build on its historic successes, the future of Indian chess looks brighter than ever, with multiple players capable of vying for world and Olympiad titles. This is not just the rise of Indian chess—it’s a revolution that promises to shape the sport’s future.
(With inputs from agencies)
