Gukesh and Praggnanandhaa Lead India to Historic Gold at 2024 Chess Olympiad in Budapest

Gukesh and Praggnanandhaa Lead India to Historic Gold at 2024 Chess Olympiad in Budapest

India made history at the 2024 Chess Olympiad held in Budapest, Hungary, by winning gold medals in both the open and women’s sections for the first time. The Indian team, featuring standout players like D. Gukesh and R. Praggnanandhaa, put in an impressive performance that captivated chess fans worldwide.

India Wins Chess Gold

D. Gukesh, just 18 years old, was a key player for the Indian team. He played exceptionally well, achieving a score of 9 out of 10 and earning an individual gold medal on Board 1. Gukesh’s performance rating was an incredible 3056, the highest in the tournament. He expressed relief and happiness over his performance, stating, “I feel relieved… I think I am doing the right things and just planning to continue that.”

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After this success, Gukesh is now preparing for his upcoming World Championship match against Ding Liren from China. He mentioned that he will spend some time resting and training before the big match.

R. Praggnanandhaa also played a significant role in the team’s victory. Although he faced challenges, including a tough match against Wesley So from the USA, he managed to contribute to the team’s overall success. Praggnanandhaa finished with six points in ten games, and he reflected positively on the team’s achievement, saying, “We won team gold, and that’s what matters.”

To celebrate this historic win, the Velammal Nexus Group of Schools honored Gukesh, Praggnanandhaa, and their teammates by awarding them a cheque of Rs. 40 lakh. This recognition highlighted the significance of their achievement and inspired future chess players in India.

As Gukesh prepares for the World Championship in November-December, both he and Praggnanandhaa will also compete in the European Club Cup in Serbia later this year. Their journey continues as they aim to further elevate Indian chess on the world stage.

Priyanka Sharma
Author: Priyanka Sharma