Team India Clinches Historic Double Gold at Chess Olympiad

Team India Clinches Historic Double Gold at Chess Olympiad

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed Team India’s historic double gold triumph at the International Chess Federation (FIDE) Chess Olympiad, declaring that “Bharat is brimming with energy and aspirations.”

India’s exceptional performance in Budapest culminated in gold medals for both the men’s and women’s teams on Sunday. Addressing the Indian diaspora at Nassau Coliseum in New York, PM Modi lauded their achievements.

“India is a nation brimming with energy and dreams. We witness new milestones every day. Today, both our men’s and women’s teams have brought home gold medals from the Chess Olympiad,” he said.

In the final round, India’s men’s team, led by D Gukesh, R. Praggnanandhaa, Arjun Erigaisi, Vidit Gujrathi, and Pentala Harikrishna, emerged victorious over Slovenia to secure the gold. Gukesh and Erigaisi’s wins gave India an early 2-0 lead, while Praggnanandhaa’s subsequent victory and Vidit’s draw sealed the gold with a 3.5-0.5 triumph.

Meanwhile, the Indian women’s team, featuring Harika Dronavalli, R. Vaishali, Divya Deshmukh, Vantika Agarwal, and Tania Sachdev, also clinched gold by defeating Azerbaijan 3.5-0.5. Harika, Divya, and Vantika secured individual victories, while Vaishali drew her match.

PM Modi’s visit to New York marks the second leg of his three-day trip to the United States. On Saturday, he participated in the Quad Summit and held bilateral meetings with US President Joe Biden, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.

The Quad has emerged as a pivotal group of like-minded nations collaborating for peace, progress, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. PM Modi and President Biden explored new avenues to further strengthen the India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership.

PM Modi will also engage with prominent American business leaders, who play a crucial role in fostering the unique partnership between the world’s largest and oldest democracies. He is scheduled to address the Summit of the Future at the UN General Assembly in New York.

Odisha Shines in MCC-Murugappa Gold Cup Hockey Tournament

Odisha Shines in MCC-Murugappa Gold Cup Hockey Tournament

Odisha has emerged as a formidable force in the 95th MCC-Murugappa Gold Cup All-India hockey tournament, showcasing exceptional skill and tactical prowess. Composed primarily of young players, the team has displayed an attractive and effective brand of hockey that has captivated spectators.

In a thrilling Pool-B encounter, Odisha faced a stern test against the National Centre of Excellence (NCOE, Bhopal). Despite dominating the first quarter with six penalty corners, it was NCOE that drew first blood through Sathish. Odisha responded swiftly, equalizing within minutes.

The third quarter witnessed a resurgence from NCOE, who gained possession and scored a penalty corner goal through their captain, Faraz Md. However, Odisha’s resilience shone through in the fourth quarter. With their exceptional dribbling skills, speed, and 1-2 passes, they mounted a relentless attack, scoring twice through Satish Kangadi, Sudeep Minz, and Prasad Kujjur to seal a 3-2 victory.

In another Pool-B match, former champion IOCL displayed their dominance with a resounding 7-0 thrashing of Central Secretariat. Gujinder Singh, Sumit Kumar, Talwinder Singh, Md. Zaid Khan, and Aarman Qureshi were among the goal scorers for IOCL.

With seven points from three matches, Odisha is well-positioned to advance to the semifinals from its group. Their impressive performance has been a testament to the team’s talent and determination.

Daniel Dubois Knocks Out Anthony Joshua in Heavyweight Thriller

Daniel Dubois Knocks Out Anthony Joshua in Heavyweight Thriller

Daniel Dubois’s emphatic victory over Anthony Joshua at Wembley Stadium on Saturday has sent shockwaves through the boxing world. The 27-year-old Dubois, who had been handed the IBF world heavyweight title after Oleksandr Usyk vacated it in June, dominated the bout from the outset, dropping Joshua multiple times before securing a brutal fifth-round knockout.

Dubois’s performance was a testament to his determination to prove his legitimacy as IBF champion. He had spoken of his desire to “legitimise” his reign, and he did so in emphatic fashion, leaving no doubt about his credentials.

Joshua, a former two-time heavyweight champion, was outclassed by Dubois from the opening bell. The younger fighter’s power and aggression proved too much for Joshua, who was floored three times before the decisive blow in the fifth round.

The victory raises major questions about Joshua’s future. The 34-year-old has now lost four of his last six fights, and his once-promising career appears to be in jeopardy. Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, said he expected his fighter to pursue a rematch, but it remains to be seen whether Joshua has the desire or the ability to regain his former glory.

Dubois, on the other hand, is now firmly established as a major force in the heavyweight division. His victory over Joshua has put him in contention for a shot at becoming undisputed world champion against Tyson Fury or Usyk.

The fight was a thrilling spectacle that lived up to the hype. The crowd of 96,000 fans at Wembley Stadium witnessed a brutal and unforgettable display of boxing. Dubois’s victory is a testament to his talent and determination, and it has set the stage for an exciting future in the heavyweight division.

Indian Chess Teams Dominate Olympiad, Poised for Historic Gold Medals

Indian Chess Teams Dominate Olympiad, Poised for Historic Gold Medals

Grandmaster D Gukesh, a rising star in the chess world, has led the Indian men’s team to a historic victory at the 45th Chess Olympiad in Budapest. Gukesh, who is set to challenge for the World Championship title in November, showcased his exceptional skills and nerves of steel against top-seeded teams.

In a crucial match against Fabiano Caruana of the United States, Gukesh employed a Catalan opening, which led to a complex middle game. Gukesh seized the initiative, capturing a pawn and forcing Caruana into a difficult position. Under pressure, Caruana faltered and lost a second pawn, allowing Gukesh to enter a winning endgame.

Meanwhile, R Praggnanandhaa fought valiantly against Wesley So, but the American team gained an early lead. However, Arjun Erigaisi and Vidit Gujrathi remained composed, securing victories against Lenier Dominguez Perez and Levon Aronian, respectively.

With one round remaining, the Indian men’s team is poised to claim their first-ever Olympiad gold medal. Their triumph is a testament to their talent, determination, and the growing strength of Indian chess.

On the women’s side, Divya Deshmukh continued to shine, defeating Ni Shiqun of China on board three. R Vaishali also played a crucial role, holding her own against Guo Qi and forcing a draw. D Harika and Vantika Agarwal secured draws on the top and second boards, respectively.

With Georgia expected to defeat Kazakhstan, the Indian women’s team is likely to regain the top position and become the favorites for the gold medal. Their performance has been equally impressive, showcasing the depth of talent in Indian chess.

Norris Stuns Verstappen to Claim Singapore Grand Prix Pole

Norris Stuns Verstappen to Claim Singapore Grand Prix Pole

McLaren’s Lando Norris stunned the field to secure pole position for the Singapore Grand Prix, edging out championship leader Max Verstappen of Red Bull in a dramatic qualifying session. Norris’s blistering lap of 1min 30.002sec was 0.155sec faster than Verstappen, marking a significant upset for the British driver.

Norris, who trails Verstappen by 59 points in the drivers’ championship, expressed his delight with the result. “It was good enough for pole and I’m happy with that, especially here in Singapore,” he said. “A good feeling. I’ve felt good all weekend, I’ve felt confident, maybe not so much in qualy but we got the job done.”

The qualifying session was marred by a late crash involving Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz, who spun into the barriers on the final bend. The incident brought out the red flag with just over eight minutes remaining, leaving most drivers with only one shot at a qualifying lap.

Sainz’s crash proved costly for Ferrari, as his teammate Charles Leclerc had his only lap time deleted for breaching track limits. As a result, the Ferrari duo will start down in ninth and 10th on the grid, respectively.

Verstappen, who had struggled in practice, was pleased to secure a front-row start alongside Norris. “I’m happy to be on the front row if you look at where we came from yesterday,” he said. “Tomorrow is a bit difficult to say, in Singapore a lot of things can happen, but at least we have a shot at it like this.”

Lewis Hamilton, who has endured a challenging season with Mercedes, managed to put together a strong lap to qualify third. “Qualifying has been a disaster for me all year long and I’ve been working, working and working trying to get myself back up there,” said the seven-time world champion. “All of a sudden the car came alive for the first time in qualifying in a long time.”

McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and Haas’s Nico Hulkenberg will start on the third row, while Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) and Yuki Tsunoda (RB) will occupy the fourth row. Verstappen’s teammate Sergio Perez failed to make it to the shootout for pole position and will start from 13th on the grid.

The Singapore Grand Prix is known for its unpredictable nature, and with a tight field and several potential challengers, the race promises to be an exciting affair.

Maharashtra Stuns BPCL in Thrilling 5-4 Hockey Victory

Maharashtra Stuns BPCL in Thrilling 5-4 Hockey Victory

Maharashtra displayed remarkable resilience and fighting spirit to secure a thrilling 5-4 victory over former champion BPCL in the 95th MCC-Murugappa Gold Cup All-India hockey tournament held in Chennai on Friday, September 20, 2024.

Despite trailing 0-2 and then 1-3, Maharashtra staged a stunning comeback in the third and fourth quarters. Aditya Lalage, a current junior world cupper, and Stephen Swamy each scored a brace, while Mayur Dhanavde added another goal to propel Maharashtra to victory.

BPCL had taken an early lead through Tejas Chavan and Rajinder Singh, but Maharashtra’s Mayur Dhanavde reduced the deficit in the 22nd minute. However, Sunil Somwarpet restored BPCL’s two-goal advantage in the 40th minute.

Undeterred, Maharashtra fought back with determination. Aditya Lalage and Stephen Swamy scored in quick succession in the 45th and 46th minutes to level the match. Lalage then completed his brace in the 51st minute, giving Maharashtra the lead for the first time.

BPCL managed to equalize through Varun Kumar’s stroke in the 53rd minute, but Maharashtra refused to be denied. Stephen Swamy scored his second goal in the 51st minute, securing the victory for his team.

In another match, Odisha registered an easy 4-1 victory over last year’s finalist, Karnataka. Ekka Rahul, Tirkey Rajat Akash, Kangadi Satish, and Chetan Mallappa scored for Odisha and Karnataka, respectively.

National Centre of Excellence (NCOE, Bhopal) also emerged victorious, defeating Central Secretariat 3-2. Rajat Minz, Parmod, and Hassan Basha scored for NCOE and Central Secretariat, respectively.

India Maintains Gold Medal Position in Chess Olympiad After Round 9 Draw

India Maintains Gold Medal Position in Chess Olympiad After Round 9 Draw

The 44th Chess Olympiad in Chennai, India, has reached its penultimate stage, with the final rounds promising intense competition and potential upsets. In Round 9, India’s top-ranked player, Arjun Erigaisi, drew against Uzbekistan’s Vokhidov Shamsiddin, allowing Uzbekistan to split points with India in a 2-2 result.

Despite the draw, India remains in a commanding position for the gold medal in the Open section, with 17 match points. They will face the United States in Round 10 on Saturday. Five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand expressed optimism about India’s chances, stating, “I knew India’s cards were very good but it just feels like everything is falling in place.”

The top board match-up between D Gukesh and Nodirbek Abdusattorov, both rising superstars of chess, ended in a draw. Gukesh played a rare g3 pawn push on move 8 in a Najdorf, but the game fizzled out without any major fireworks.

Anand spoke about the psychological impact of certain games, recalling a painful loss suffered by Gukesh against Abdusattorov two years ago. “It was particularly painful for me because not only did he lose, he also shot past a draw… I’m going to assume he’s past it,” Anand said.

The women’s team suffered a setback in Round 8 with a loss to Poland. However, Vantika Agrawal played a key role in preventing a repeat of the 2022 Olympiad loss to the United States, defeating Irina Krush with Black to secure a 2-2 draw.

In other notable matches, Magnus Carlsen lost to Vladmir Fedoseev, causing Norway to slump further down the standings. Reigning world champion Ding Liren also drew against Iran’s Parham Maghsoodloo after a winning position petered out to an equal rook endgame.

Chess Olympiad Trophy Goes Missing, AICF Files Police Complaint

Chess Olympiad Trophy Goes Missing, AICF Files Police Complaint

The All India Chess Federation (AICF) has filed a police complaint after the Gaprindashvili Trophy, a rolling trophy awarded to the team with the best overall performance in the Chess Olympiad, went missing from its office. The incident has forced the AICF to arrange for a replica of the prized possession and tender an apology.

The trophy went missing over a month ago, after the International Chess Federation (FIDE) requested its return for the ongoing 45th edition of the Olympiad in Budapest. Despite extensive searches, the AICF has been unable to locate the trophy.

AICF vice-president Anil Kumar Raizada expressed embarrassment over the situation, stating that the trophy had been missing for over 30 days. He confirmed that an official police complaint had been filed and an investigation would follow.

A senior AICF official revealed that a contingency plan was in place and a replacement trophy had been ordered. The official acknowledged the embarrassing nature of the situation and apologized for the inconvenience caused.

The current edition of the Olympiad, which began on September 10 and concludes on September 23, features 197 teams representing 195 national federations. India is fielding strong teams in both the open and women’s categories, with the open team consisting of Arjun Erigaisi, Gukesh D, Praggnanandhaa R, Vidit Santosh Gujrathi, and Harikrishna Pentala. The women’s team includes Harika Dronavalli, Vaishali Rameshbabu, Divya Deshmukh, Vantika Agrawal, and Tania Sachdev.

The AICF’s failure to safeguard the Gaprindashvili Trophy has raised concerns about the organization’s handling of valuable assets. The incident has also cast a shadow over the ongoing Olympiad, where India is a strong contender for the gold medal.

Magnus Carlsen Urges FIDE to Reject Russia and Belarus Reinstatement

Magnus Carlsen Urges FIDE to Reject Russia and Belarus Reinstatement

Chess legend Magnus Carlsen has vehemently opposed the potential reinstatement of Russia and Belarus into the International Chess Federation (FIDE) ahead of a crucial vote this weekend. The two countries were expelled from FIDE in 2022 due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Carlsen, who was honored as the greatest player of all time at a FIDE gala in Budapest, used his platform to advocate against the readmission of Russia and Belarus. He cited the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the need to maintain sanctions against the aggressor nations.

“In Garry’s honor, I’m sure he would take the opportunity to advise against reinstating the Russian and Belarusian Chess Federation, so that is what I will do as well,” Carlsen stated.

Garry Kasparov, a renowned Russian grandmaster and outspoken critic of President Vladimir Putin, echoed Carlsen’s sentiments. “Indeed I would, and do!” Kasparov wrote on social media.

The proposed readmission of Russia and Belarus has sparked controversy within the chess community and beyond. Ukraine’s sports minister, Matviy Bidny, praised Carlsen’s stance, emphasizing the importance of maintaining sanctions against Russia and Belarus while the war continues.

“Sanctions against Russia and Belarus should only be strengthened as long as the war continues, as dictatorial regimes are trying to legitimise the war against Ukraine by using sport and athletes,” Bidny said.

Carlsen, a five-time world chess champion, has consistently dominated the sport since 2013. His unwavering opposition to the readmission of Russia and Belarus underscores the gravity of the situation and the need for the chess community to stand in solidarity with Ukraine.

Paris Olympics Legacy: Temporary Facilities Find New Homes in Underprivileged Areas

Paris Olympics Legacy: Temporary Facilities Find New Homes in Underprivileged Areas

The 2024 Paris Olympics embraced sustainability and legacy by utilizing temporary sports facilities and redistributing them to underprivileged areas. The iconic swimming pool where Leon Marchand triumphed with four gold medals is being dismantled and relocated to Sevran, a suburb with limited aquatic facilities. The pool will be renamed the “Leon Marchand Pool” and will be funded by the Paris 2024 organizing committee, while the local council will cover operational costs.

Another training pool from the Defense Arena will be divided in half, with one part forming a new 25-meter pool in Bagnolet. The Seine-Saint-Denis region, which received the majority of Games-related infrastructure investments, will benefit from these facilities.

Temporary stadiums erected at historic locations are also being dismantled. The BMX park from Place de la Concorde has been relocated to Cluses for a future world event, while the sand from the Eiffel Tower beach volleyball court has been donated to a sports center in Marville. Marville is also expected to receive one of the skate parks, while the other will be sent to Montpellier.

The mountain-biking track near Elancourt is being converted into a multi-purpose facility for riders and walkers. Sports expert Pierre Rondeau praised the redistribution of infrastructure, noting that Paris has ample facilities while other areas can benefit from these resources.

The Paris Games’ legacy extends beyond temporary facilities. The new aquatics center in Seine-Saint-Denis is one of only three permanent venues built for the Olympics. The Games have also spurred investments in sports infrastructure throughout France, with 80% of public spending allocated to the Seine-Saint-Denis region.

Home
Shop
Wishlist0
Back to Top

Search For Products

Product has been added to your cart