D Gukesh Powers India to First-Ever Gold in Chess Olympiad

Budapest: Indian chess prodigy D Gukesh concluded a stellar Chess Olympiad performance with a crucial victory over Russia’s Vladimir Fedoseev on Sunday in Hungary, securing India’s first-ever gold in the tournament.

Arjun Erigaisi also shone, defeating Serbian Jan Subelj on the final day of competition.

India clinched the historic gold after China’s team faltered against the USA. The Indian team in the open category featured Gukesh, Erigaisi, Praggnanandhaa R, Vidit Gujrathi, Pentala Harikrishna, and Srinath Narayanan.

🇮🇳 India wins the 45th FIDE #ChessOlympiad! 🏆 ♟️

Congratulations to Gukesh D, Praggnanandhaa R, Arjun Erigaisi, Vidit Gujrathi, Pentala Harikrishna and Srinath Narayanan (Captain)! 👏 👏

Gukesh D beats Vladimir Fedoseev, and Arjun Erigaisi prevails against Jan Subelj; India… pic.twitter.com/jOGrjwsyJc

— International Chess Federation (@FIDE_chess) September 22, 2024

This marks India’s first in-person Chess Olympiad gold, having previously shared the title during the pandemic-era online Olympiad. Prior to this, India had earned bronze medals in 2022 (Chennai) and 2014 (Tromsø, Norway).