Budapest: India celebrated a historic achievement at the 2024 Chess Olympiad, clinching its first-ever dual gold medals in both the open and women’s sections. The triumph was marked by stellar performances from D. Gukesh, Arjun Erigaisi, and Divya Deshmukh, who each earned individual gold medals for their outstanding contributions.
The Indian team showcased remarkable dominance at the SYMA Sports and Conference Centre, winning gold in both categories and making history with this unprecedented accomplishment. In the open section, India achieved a stunning record, winning ten out of eleven rounds, with their only setback being a draw against the defending champions, Uzbekistan. Similarly, the women’s team excelled, securing victory in nine of their eleven rounds.
World Championship contender D. Gukesh was a standout performer, scoring 9 points in 10 games and securing the individual gold medal on the top board. His impressive performance rating of 3056 not only earned him the gold but also marked him as the only player in the tournament to surpass the 3000 rating threshold.
Arjun Erigaisi also played a crucial role, contributing 10 points in 11 games and capturing individual gold on board three. Both grandmasters experienced significant boosts in their FIDE ratings, bringing them closer to the coveted 2800 mark.
The women’s section saw an outstanding debut from 18-year-old Divya Deshmukh, who played in all matches and scored 9.5 points. Her decisive win in the final match secured her individual gold on board three, further solidifying her reputation as a formidable player. Additionally, Vantika Agrawal earned individual gold on board four.
India also retained the prestigious Gaprindashvili Cup, awarded to the nation with the most outstanding combined performance in both the open and women’s sections. This recognition highlights India’s emergence as a powerhouse in the global chess arena.