Indian Chess Soars to New Heights Ahead of Budapest Olympiad
Two years ago, D Gukesh’s stunning performance at the Chennai Olympiad signaled a new era for Indian chess. Since then, the country has witnessed remarkable growth, with several players making history and breaking records.
As the 44th Chess Olympiad approaches in Budapest, India boasts an unprecedented four players in the top 12 of the world rankings, including Gukesh at No. 7. The team, seeded second behind the USA, is brimming with confidence and optimism.
“This is the strongest Indian team ever,” says Open section captain Srinath Narayanan. “We are very optimistic about our chances.”
The Olympiad, a biennial team event, brings together players from over 190 countries. India’s young and talented squad is expected to perform exceptionally well.
“The sense of team doesn’t come naturally in chess,” says Narayanan. “But everyone in the current side really wants to win.”
In the Chennai Olympiad, India’s ‘B’ team, featuring Gukesh and Praggnanandhaa, won bronze over the higher-rated ‘A’ team. This year, the team is even stronger and more motivated.
“We’ve transformed from being underdogs to being the favorites against almost every team,” says Narayanan. “Our young players are still fresh from playing in Open tournaments and have the flexibility to adapt.”
In the women’s section, India will be without Koneru Humpy but still has a strong team led by Vaishali and Harika Dronavalli. They will face challenges from Georgia, Poland, and Ukraine.
“The enormity of an Olympiad is quite unique,” says Narayanan. “As captain, I get to watch some of the world’s best players from a close proximity. There’s not a whole lot more you can ask for as a chess fan.”
With a formidable team and a surge in confidence, India is poised to make a significant impact at the Budapest Olympiad. A medal of any color would be a testament to the remarkable progress Indian chess has made in recent years.
