India made history at the 45th Chess Olympiad in Budapest, Hungary, by winning both the Open and Women’s competitions. This incredible achievement marks the first time India has taken the top spot in the women’s division¹.
The Open team, led by GM Gukesh Dommaraju, GM Arjun Erigaisi, and GM Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu, dominated the field with a 3.5-0.5 win over Slovenia in the final round, finishing four points ahead of the runner-up teams ¹. Gukesh’s performance was particularly notable, earning him individual gold on board one and a 30-point rating boost ¹.
The women’s team also had a remarkable run, overcoming setbacks to claim the gold medal. They secured their victory with a convincing 3.5-0.5 win against Azerbaijan ¹. GM Harika Dronavalli set the tone with a win against IM Gunay Mammadzada, showcasing excellent endgame technique ¹.
Key Highlights:
- India’s Open Team: Finished with 21/22 match points, four points clear of the chasing pack ¹ ²
- India’s Women’s Team: Claimed their first-ever Olympiad team medal, finishing clear first with 19/21 match points ¹ ²
- Notable Performances: Gukesh (Open team) and Harika Dronavalli (Women’s team) earned individual gold medals ¹
