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.
