India’s chess teams made history at the 45th Chess Olympiad in Budapest by winning gold medals in both the men’s and women’s categories for the first time.
The celebration of this significant achievement included a joyful recreation of cricket captain Rohit Sharma’s iconic trophy lift, as players D Gukesh and Tania Sachdev emulated Sharma’s famous walk from the T20 World Cup.
On September 22, 2024, both teams secured their victories, with the men’s team defeating Slovenia and the women’s team triumphing over Azerbaijan with a score of 3.5-0.5. This accomplishment marks a milestone in India’s chess history, elevating the nation as a rising chess powerhouse.
During the celebration, Gukesh and Sachdev emerged from opposite sides of the podium, mimicking Rohit Sharma’s celebrated walk. Their lighthearted tribute sparked excitement and quickly went viral on social media.
D Gukesh and Arjun Erigaisi were standout performers, achieving significant wins that led to India’s first gold medal victories in the competition. The women’s team featured exceptional contributions from players like D Harika and Divya Deshmukh, further cementing their triumph.
The Indian chess teams’ victory and subsequent celebrations not only showcased their remarkable skill but also highlighted the unifying spirit of Indian sports, drawing parallels with cricket’s success and enhancing the nation’s pride in chess.
