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Home / Tagged "ChessOlympiad"

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Tata Steel Chess India: Praggnanandhaa to Face Carlsen in High-Voltage Opener

Tata Steel Chess India: Praggnanandhaa to Face Carlsen in High-Voltage Opener

By November 12, 2024 0

The Tata Steel Chess India tournament is set to commence with a thrilling first-round matchup between Indian prodigy R Praggnanandhaa and world champion Magnus Carlsen in the rapid category. This year’s edition marks the sixth installment of the tournament, which will feature the Indian chess contingent that triumphed at the Chess Olympiad in Budapest.

In the previous edition, Maxime Vachier Lagrave emerged victorious in the rapid category, while Alexander Grishchuk claimed the blitz title. Divya Deshmukh and Ju Wenjun secured the rapid and blitz titles in the women’s category, respectively.

Praggnanandhaa expressed his admiration for Carlsen’s resilience and determination, stating, “His will to win is something that I really admire. He keeps playing even in positions that most people will agree for a draw, he just keeps playing and wins them.”

Carlsen, who is known for his selective tournament participation, revealed his motivation for attending the event: “A lot of the older players of my generation are not going to surprise you in a major way in terms of where they stand, but with the younger generation, it’s interesting to try and understand.”

Other notable participants in the tournament include Nodirbek Abdusattorov, Wesley So, Vincent Keymer, Daniil Dubov, Vidit Gujrathi, Aleksandra Goryachkina, Kateryna Lagno, Alexandra Kosteniuk, Valentina Gunina, Koneru Humpy, Vaishali R, and Harika Dronavalli.

The tournament also witnessed the presence of three-year-old Anish Sarkar, who recently became the youngest FIDE-rated chess player in the world with a rating of 1555. Carlsen remarked, “It’s amazing to see the level he’s at. My nephew is turning 4, he’s a bright young child, but I don’t see him getting a rating of 1500 anytime soon.”

Carlsen acknowledged the significant progress made by Indian chess, attributing it to the efforts of Viswanathan Anand. He stated, “Indian chess has come a long way since then, much thanks to Anand and what he did for Indian chess.”

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Chess Veteran Tania Sachdev Urges State Support for Young Players

Chess Veteran Tania Sachdev Urges State Support for Young Players

By October 22, 2024 0

India’s Chess Veteran Tania Sachdev Urges State Governments to Support Young Players

India’s chess veteran Tania Sachdev has emphasized the crucial role of state governments in fostering a pipeline of young players and maintaining the country’s dominance in the sport. Speaking at the NDTV World Summit, Sachdev, who was part of India’s historic double gold campaign at the 45th Chess Olympiad 2024, highlighted the importance of state support in inspiring and nurturing young talent.

Sachdev, who hails from Delhi, pointed out that she was the sole chess representative from the capital for nearly 16 years until the emergence of Vantika Agrawal. She stressed that state governments play a vital role in providing opportunities and recognition to young players, which is essential for their development and success.

“There’s a reason why we see so many Grandmasters from Tamil Nadu. Why does every girl want to play badminton? Because she’s seen a PV Sindhu,” said Sachdev. “Unless the state governments recognize the effort of its own players, how are you going to inspire the youth of a profession seriously?”

Sachdev’s comments come in the wake of India’s remarkable achievement at the 45th Chess Olympiad, where both the men’s and women’s teams won gold. For Sachdev, who has been a part of India’s chess team at the Olympiad since 2008, the gold medal was the culmination of a 16-year journey. Her teammate D Harika had to wait 20 years for the same honor.

“It is something that we worked towards not one or two years, but 16 years for me and even longer for her (Harika),” said Sachdev. “Having got the job done, we all felt more emotional than we ever have. It went far beyond winning the gold, it was a lifetime journey for a lot of us.”

Vantika Agrawal also revealed that the chess team had planned special celebrations once they knew that they had both won gold. The team’s success is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and support that they have received over the years.

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Magnus Carlsen to Headline Tata Steel Chess India 2023

Magnus Carlsen to Headline Tata Steel Chess India 2023

By October 21, 2024 0

The sixth edition of Tata Steel Chess India, scheduled from November 13 to 17, will witness the return of World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen. The Norwegian Grandmaster, who previously triumphed in the 2019 edition, will headline the prestigious event.

India’s strong contingent, fresh from their golden performance at the Chess Olympiad in Budapest, will feature rising stars Arjun Erigaisi, R Praggnanandhaa, and Vidit Gujrathi. Nihal Sarin and S L Narayanan will also represent India in the ‘Open’ category.

Like previous editions, the tournament will comprise ‘Open’ and women’s categories with identical rapid and blitz formats and equal prize money. India’s women’s team will be represented by Koneru Humpy, R Vaishali, D. Harika, Divya Deshmukh, and Vantika Agrawal.

Chess legend Viswanathan Anand, the tournament’s ambassador, expressed his excitement: “I am looking forward to being back at Tata Steel Chess India. It has become the marquee event in India. This year brings the best of the world headed by Magnus Carlsen.”

Chanakya Chaudhary, vice-president of corporate services at Tata Steel, said: “We are excited to host the sixth edition of Tata Steel Chess India, which marks the return of world No. 1 Magnus Carlsen. Members of the Indian men’s and women’s squads, following their gold medal wins at the Chess Olympiad, will also join the tournament alongside top global players.”

The tournament lineup includes:

Open:
– Magnus Carlsen
– Nodirbek Abdusattorov
– Wesley So
– Vincent Keymer
– Daniil Dubov
– Arjun Erigaisi
– R Praggnanandhaa
– Vidit Gujrathi
– Nihal Sarin
– S L Narayanan

Women:
– Aleksandra Goryachkina
– Kateryna Lagno
– Alexandra Kosteniuk
– Nana Dzagnidze
– Valentina Gunina
– Koneru Humpy
– R. Vaishali
– D. Harika
– Divya Deshmukh
– Vantika Agrawal

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Gukesh Unfazed by Ding's Absence, Eyes World Championship Glory

Gukesh Unfazed by Ding’s Absence, Eyes World Championship Glory

By October 15, 2024 0

At the recently concluded Chess Olympiad in Budapest, the highly anticipated clash between India and China on the top board did not materialize. China opted to rest Ding Liren, the world’s second-ranked player, against India’s rising star, D. Gukesh.

Gukesh, 18, expressed no disappointment over the missed opportunity. “We thought it was likely Ding would play, but there was a chance he might not because he had lost the previous round,” said Gukesh. “I was ready for both scenarios.”

Despite the absence of Ding, Gukesh’s performance at the Olympiad was exceptional. He won the individual gold medal for the second consecutive time, playing a pivotal role in India’s dominant victory.

“It was a very special performance for me,” said Gukesh. “I’m glad with how I played and handled different situations.”

Gukesh’s confidence has soared ahead of his upcoming World Championship match against Ding, scheduled to begin on November 23 in Singapore. However, he remains unfazed by the pressure.

“The pressure is about just playing in the World Championship,” said Gukesh. “For me, it’s just a match against a very strong player. I’m sure Ding will come to the match with the right spirit and give it his best. My approach is to treat every game with the utmost respect and energy.”

Gukesh’s exceptional performance at the Olympiad has not only boosted his confidence but also raised expectations for his World Championship match. As he prepares for the biggest challenge of his career, Gukesh remains focused and determined to give it his all.

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India's Chess Olympiad Triumph: A Golden Moment for the Nation

India’s Chess Olympiad Triumph: A Golden Moment for the Nation

By September 30, 2024 0

Chess Olympiad Triumph: A Golden Moment for Indian Chess

The recent triumph of the Indian women’s and men’s chess teams at the 45th Chess Olympiad in Budapest, Hungary, has etched a historic milestone in the annals of Indian sports. The double gold medal victory marks a watershed moment for Indian chess, propelling it to unprecedented heights.

Tania Sachdev, a member of the victorious women’s team, expressed her profound joy and gratitude. “This victory is a dream come true,” she exclaimed. “It’s a moment I will cherish forever.” The team’s success has drawn parallels to the iconic 1983 Cricket World Cup victory, which transformed the landscape of Indian cricket. Sachdev believes that this double gold will have a similar transformative impact on Indian chess.

The teams’ reception by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi was a moment of immense pride and emotion. “To hear the PM talk about us on a global stage filled us with immense pride,” said Sachdev. “It felt like recognition of not just this achievement, but also of all the hard work Indian chess players have put in over the years.”

One of the most memorable moments of the Olympiad was the impromptu victory walk by the women’s team during the closing ceremony. Inspired by the celebratory walks of cricket captain Rohit Sharma and football legend Lionel Messi, the team decided to bring that energy into the chess world. “It wasn’t planned,” said Sachdev. “We thought, ‘Why not continue the tradition of celebrating wins, like we’ve seen in other sports?'”

The double gold victory has not only brought glory to India but has also inspired a new generation of chess enthusiasts. Sachdev believes that this triumph will encourage more young people to take up the game and strive for excellence. “This victory has shown that anything is possible if you have the determination and the support,” she said. “I hope it will inspire many more young Indians to pursue their dreams in chess.”

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Chess Prodigy D Gukesh Shows Off Dance Moves in Viral Video

Chess Prodigy D Gukesh Shows Off Dance Moves in Viral Video

By September 29, 2024 0

Indian chess prodigy D Gukesh has taken a break from his rigorous training to showcase his hidden talent for dance. In a viral video shared on social media, Gukesh is seen grooving to the catchy tune of Rajinikanth’s latest hit, “Manasilayo.”

Dressed in traditional attire, Gukesh effortlessly executes the song’s hook steps alongside his family and friends. The video ends with the chess star flashing a charming smile and signing off with the caption, “Manasilayo…with my family friends!”

Gukesh’s dance moves have garnered praise from fans and fellow chess enthusiasts alike. The 18-year-old is currently enjoying a well-deserved break after playing a pivotal role in India’s historic gold medal victory at the 2024 Chess Olympiad in Budapest.

At the Olympiad, Gukesh displayed exceptional skill and determination, winning 9 out of 10 games. His remarkable performance not only earned him a gold medal but also propelled the Indian team to the top of the podium.

“I did not think of the individual performance, I just wanted the team to win,” Gukesh said in a post-match interview. “So I did not think of the individual performance, I just wanted the team to win.”

Gukesh’s success has propelled him into the world’s top 20 chess players and brought him close to matching the legendary Viswanathan Anand’s record as India’s highest-rated chess player.

Next on Gukesh’s agenda is a highly anticipated face-off with Chinese grandmaster Ding Liren at the upcoming World Championship in Singapore. The event, scheduled from November 20 to December 15, offers a prize of $2.5 million to the winner.

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India's Chess Olympiad Triumph: A Promising Start, But More Work Needed for Women's Game

India’s Chess Olympiad Triumph: A Promising Start, But More Work Needed for Women’s Game

By September 26, 2024 0

India’s historic triumph at the Chess Olympiad, with both the men’s and women’s teams securing their first-ever titles, has sparked a wave of excitement and optimism for the future of chess in the country. However, five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand cautions that while this is a promising start, there is still much work to be done, particularly in promoting women’s chess.

Anand, who has been a mentor and inspiration to the current generation of Indian chess prodigies, believes that the Olympiad victory will inspire more girls to take up the game. “It’s a very good beginning, but we must continuously keep progressing,” he said. “We need to get more and more girls to play, and this result will hopefully inspire them.”

While the men’s game has witnessed a surge in popularity in recent years, with young talents like R Praggnanandhaa and D Gukesh making waves on the world stage, the women’s game has lagged behind. Anand emphasizes the importance of supporting players at all levels and creating opportunities for them to compete.

“We need to grow the game and increase the base of the pyramid,” he said. “Events like the Global Chess League play a big part in that because they give a lot of people opportunities. Unexpectedly, you might play a much bigger role than you expected. Teams victory, all these things will boost.”

Anand also warns that other countries will be analyzing India’s performance and returning stronger. “Every country goes back and learns lessons,” he said. “The other teams will take their disappointment, they’ll go back and they’ll come back stronger.”

To maintain India’s recent success in chess, Anand believes that it is crucial to tap into the talent at the grassroots level. “We want many more things like this to happen,” he said. “We need to support players at all levels and create opportunities for them to compete.”

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India's Chess Teams Make History with Maiden Gold Medals at Olympiad

India’s Chess Teams Make History with Maiden Gold Medals at Olympiad

By September 25, 2024 0

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed India’s historic triumph at the 45th Chess Olympiad in Budapest, where both the men’s and women’s teams clinched their maiden gold medals.

India’s men’s team, comprising D Gukesh, Arjun Erigaisi, and R Praggnanandhaa, defeated Slovenia in the final round, while the women’s team, led by R Vaishali, D Harika, and Tania Sachdev, triumphed over Azerbaijan.

Gukesh, the star of the tournament, won 10 out of 11 rounds in the Open category, playing a pivotal role in India’s victory. Erigaisi and Praggnanandhaa also secured decisive wins in the final round.

The women’s team secured their gold by defeating Azerbaijan. Vaishali, Harika, and Sachdev displayed exceptional skills and determination throughout the tournament.

In a video shared on social media, Modi interacted with the chess champions, who presented him with a chessboard. Praggnanandhaa and Erigaisi played a quick game of chess, leaving Modi spellbound.

The Indian men’s team finished with an impressive 21 out of 22 possible points, conceding only one draw against Uzbekistan. The women’s team also performed remarkably, securing 18.5 points out of 22.

India’s historic achievement at the Chess Olympiad is a testament to the growing popularity and talent in the sport. The gold medals are a source of pride for the nation and will inspire future generations of chess players.

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Indian Chess Teams Rewarded with ₹3.2 Crore for Historic Olympiad Triumph

Indian Chess Teams Rewarded with ₹3.2 Crore for Historic Olympiad Triumph

By September 25, 2024 0

The All India Chess Federation (AICF) celebrated the historic triumph of the Indian teams at the 45th Chess Olympiad with a grand felicitation ceremony in New Delhi. The event witnessed the announcement of a staggering ₹3.2 crore in rewards for the gold medal-winning squads.

AICF President Nitin Narang unveiled the generous rewards, with each player from the victorious teams receiving ₹25 lakh. The captains of the men’s and women’s teams, Abhijeet Kunte and Srinath Narayanan, were honored with ₹15 lakh each. Grandmaster Dibyendu Barua, the head of the Indian delegation, received ₹10 lakh, while the assistant coaches were rewarded with ₹7.5 lakh.

“The hunger for gold ended in Hungary, but the desire for success continues,” declared Narang during the felicitation. “In the open section, we dominated, and in the women’s section, we owned it.”

AICF Secretary General Dev A Patel expressed optimism that the historic twin gold medals would ignite a chess revolution in India. “In 97 years of Chess Olympiad, we won gold in both categories. It’s a historic achievement,” Patel said. “This will give a new spark to chess enthusiasts. We will look to use this momentum to encourage the next generation of chess players.”

India’s triumph at the 45th Chess Olympiad in Budapest marked a watershed moment in Indian chess history. The men’s team, led by D Gukesh, Arjun Erigaisi, and R Praggnanandhaa, displayed unwavering dominance throughout the tournament, defeating Slovenia in the final round. Gukesh, the star performer, won 10 of 11 rounds, propelling India to the top with 21 out of a possible 22 points.

The women’s team, captained by D Harika, Tania Sachdev, and R Vaishali, secured their gold by defeating Azerbaijan in a tense final. Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally congratulated the champions, praising their dedication and impact on Indian sports.

The AICF’s generous rewards and the historic achievement of the Indian teams are expected to inspire a new generation of chess players in India, further solidifying the country’s position as a global chess powerhouse.

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Vidit Gujrathi Skips Azerbaijan Tournament for PM Modi Felicitation

Vidit Gujrathi Skips Azerbaijan Tournament for PM Modi Felicitation

By September 25, 2024 0

Grandmaster Vidit Gujrathi, fresh from his triumph at the Chess Olympiad, has decided to forgo defending his title at the Vugar Gashimov Memorial Chess Super Tournament in Azerbaijan to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. Gujrathi, who won the Azerbaijan event last year, was part of the historic Indian men’s team that clinched the Chess Olympiad gold in the Open category.

Upon learning about the felicitation function, Gujrathi expressed his joy and gratitude on social media. “I reached Baku and I got to know our Hon’ble PM wants to felicitate the Indian team. I was overjoyed when I heard this and I wanted to be a part of it. It’s amazing at how such short notice he is taking out time for us,” he wrote.

Gujrathi, 29, has been replaced by Aravindh Chithambaram for the event to be held from September 25-30. “I contacted Sarkhan Gashimov (organiser) and he understood my sentiments. Big thanks to him! Wishing Aravindh the best to play against top players in this prestigious event,” Gujrathi added.

After India’s historic Chess Olympiad victory, Gujrathi remarked that the golden era of chess has just begun for his country. “We can call it a golden era for Indian chess, as gold has been won. The same team competed in the Asian Games, but I think everyone has stepped up their game over the past year. We were winning by significant margins, and it was a dominant performance,” he said.

Gujrathi also addressed the incident where he missed shaking hands with his opponent, Levon Aronian. “I have a routine of meditating before every match, which helps me stay focused and perform better. I was busy with that, which is why I missed shaking hands with him. When I opened my eyes, I then shook hands with him,” he explained.

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