India’s stellar performance at the Chess Olympiad in Budapest has been a testament to the remarkable growth of its young chess prodigies. Arjun Erigaisi and D Gukesh have led the charge, guiding the team to an undefeated record through eight rounds.
While India’s success was anticipated, it has drawn inevitable comparisons to the 2022 Olympiad in Chennai. Back then, Arjun, Gukesh, and R Praggnanandhaa were still emerging talents, and the tournament hinted at their future potential.
Those predictions have largely come to fruition. Arjun, Gukesh, and Praggnanandhaa have made significant strides, while Nihal Sarin has struggled to keep pace. In 2022, Gukesh won the gold medal as the best individual Board 1 player, showcasing his brilliance. However, Nihal’s performance as the best Board 2 player with a 2774 rating performance was equally impressive.
Nihal acknowledges his current struggles, admitting that his game has not been up to par. He has crossed the 2600 Elo rating mark twice, but his progress has been hindered by inconsistent results.
Despite his challenges, Nihal offers valuable insights into the success of his teammates. He attributes their achievements to their exceptional strength, focus, motivation, and hard work. He also highlights their ability to manage risk effectively, a crucial skill in chess.
Arjun’s mastery of unbalanced positions has been evident in both the 2023 Chess World Cup and the Olympiad. Nihal emphasizes the difficulty of consistently dominating lower-rated players, a feat that Arjun has accomplished with remarkable consistency.
The success of others can serve as inspiration, and Nihal acknowledges that he may need to make changes to his approach. He recognizes the importance of enjoying the game and expressing oneself, but admits that it is easier to disregard ratings when they are rising.
As the final rounds of the Olympiad approach, the Indian team will face increasing pressure. Nihal believes that maintaining composure will be paramount. He emphasizes the unpredictable nature of chess, where a single mistake can overturn a winning position.
