Vidit Gujrathi Withdraws from Azerbaijan Chess Tournament

Grandmaster Vidit Gujrathi has withdrawn from defending his title at the Vugar Gashimov Memorial Chess Super Tournament in Azerbaijan to attend a felicitation ceremony with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, following India's historic gold medal win at the Chess Olympiad. Gujrathi, who previously won the tournament last year, expressed his excitement about the PM's recognition of the Indian chess team via 'X', formerly Twitter. He had traveled to Baku for the tournament but chose to return to India after learning about the event. Aravindh Chithambaram will replace Gujrathi in the tournament, scheduled for September 25-30. The Indian men's team, which included notable players like D Gukesh and R Praggnanandhaa, made history by winning twin gold medals at the Olympiad. The decision highlights Gujrathi's commitment to honoring his country's achievements over personal competition.