In a remarkable display of skill and strategy, Team India has made history at the ongoing FIDE Chess Olympiad in Budapest by winning gold medals in both the men’s and women’s events on Sunday. Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge took to social media to celebrate this historic achievement.
Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, expressed his excitement over the men’s team clinching their first-ever gold medal in the Open Section.
“Thrilled to see Team India clinch its first-ever Gold Medal in the Open Section at the Chess Olympiad Huge congratulations to Gukesh Dommaraju, Arjun Erigaisi, Vidit Gujrathi, Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu, Pentala Harikrishna, Srinath Narayanan, and their teams. Your remarkable talent, brilliant strategies, and dedication have paid off. Wishing you all continued excellence. Your golden victory has made the country immensely proud. Jai Hind,” Rahul Gandhi wrote on X.
Gandhi also praised the women’s team for their outstanding performance, stating, “Double Gold for India at the Chess Olympiad! Incredibly proud of our champions – Divya Deshmukh, R Vaishali, D Harika, Tania Sachdev, Vantika Agrawal, their Captain Abhijit Kunte and their teams. Heartfelt congratulations to each of you. Your brilliance, teamwork, and dedication have made this remarkable victory possible. You are a shining example of what India’s daughters can achieve and a source of inspiration to millions across the country. A truly historic day for India,”
Mallikarjun Kharge, the Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, echoed similar sentiments, commending the men’s team for their “exceptional skill, strategic brilliance, and unwavering dedication.”
He wrote, “History made! Congratulations to Team India on securing their first-ever Gold Medal in the Open Section at the Chess Olympiad! Gukesh Dommaraju, Arjun Erigaisi, Vidit Gujrathi, Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu, Pentala Harikrishna, and Srinath Narayanan – your exceptional skill and strategic brilliance have earned India its rightful place on the podium. Your golden triumph has filled the nation’s heart with pride! May your achievement inspire future generations of Indian chess players.”
In the decisive final round, the Indian men’s team triumphed over Slovenia, securing a 3.5-0.5 victory. Wins from D Gukesh and Arjun Erigaisi gave India a 2-0 lead, while Praggnanandhaa also secured a win, and Vidit Gujrathi ended his game in a draw.
Meanwhile, the Indian women’s team, featuring Harika Dronavalli, R Vaishali, Divya Deshmukh, Vantika Agarwal, and Tania Sachdev, also claimed gold by defeating Azerbaijan with a similar score of 3.5-0.5. Harika, Divya, and Vantika each won their matches, while R Vaishali drew her game against Ulviyya Fataliyeva.
This historic double gold marks a significant milestone for Indian chess and showcases the nation’s growing prowess in the sport.