India Wins Historic Double Gold at Chess Olympiad

India made history by winning gold medals in both the open and women's sections at the 45th Chess Olympiad held in Budapest. The men's team, featuring Grandmasters D. Gukesh, Arjun Erigaisi, and Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu, secured a decisive 3.5-0.5 victory over Slovenia, finishing the tournament with an impressive 21 points from 22. Meanwhile, the women's team triumphed against Azerbaijan with a similar score, marking their first-ever gold medal in the event. Gukesh's exceptional performance has set him up as a contender for the upcoming World Championship match. The success was celebrated by the players who reflected on their journeys and the significance of their victories, particularly after coming close in previous competitions. This dual victory underscores India's rising prominence in the chess world, with both teams overcoming past challenges to achieve this milestone.