India's men's and women's chess teams scripted history on September 22 by winning their maiden gold medals at the 2024 FIDE Chess Olympiad in Hungary, a momentous feat that has ignited pride across the nation. Siblings R Praggnanandhaa and R Vaishali, key players in this landmark achievement, returned to a hero's welcome in Chennai. This victory is not just a triumph on the global stage but also a pivotal moment in making chess a household name in India. With individual gold medals also pouring in, this Olympiad has set a new benchmark for Indian chess.

A Double Gold Victory: India’s Chess Teams Shine

India's chess teams made an indelible mark on the global stage as both the men's and women's squads clinched their first-ever gold medals at the FIDE Chess Olympiad. The remarkable achievement of winning both titles simultaneously is an accolade that few nations have managed to accomplish. Praggnanandhaa, one of the stars of the men's team, aptly described the victory as historic and a proud moment for the country. He believes this dual triumph will elevate the popularity of chess in India, inspiring a new generation to take up the sport.

Meet the Champions: The Faces Behind India’s Victory

The men's team, spearheaded by prodigies such as D Gukesh, Arjun Erigaisi, Vidit Gujrathi, and Pentala Harikrishna, played with exceptional skill and composure. On the women's side, players like Harika Dronavalli, R Vaishali, Divya Deshmukh, Vantika Agarwal, and Tania Sachdev brought their A-game to secure their place in history. This is India's first gold at the Olympiad, although the men's team had previously shared the top spot with Russia during an online Olympiad held amid the COVID-19 pandemic, and the women's team had won bronze at the Chennai Olympiad in 2022.

Individual Brilliance: Gold Medals Beyond the Team

Beyond the collective success, several Indian players also shone individually. D Gukesh and Arjun Erigaisi clinched gold medals on boards 1 and 3, while Divya Deshmukh and Vantika Agarwal secured golds on boards 3 and 4, respectively, bringing India’s individual gold medal tally to an impressive four. This demonstrates the depth of talent in Indian chess, with each player contributing significantly to the country’s overall victory.

What This Major Victory Can Mean for Chess in India?

Increased Investment and Sponsorship in Chess
With this historic double win, we can anticipate a surge in sponsorships and investments in Indian chess. Corporates and brands are likely to see the value in supporting a sport that is garnering such national and international acclaim, leading to better training facilities and opportunities for upcoming players.

Rising Popularity of Chess Among the Youth
The remarkable success of the Indian teams is expected to inspire a new generation of young chess enthusiasts. Schools and academies may introduce more chess programs, competitions, and training camps, fostering talent at the grassroots level and broadening the sport’s reach.

India as a Host for Future Major Chess Events
With India’s growing stature in the world of chess, we can expect the country to host more high-profile tournaments and Olympiads. This would not only boost the visibility of the sport but also provide Indian players with home advantage, further enhancing their performance on the global stage.

This double gold victory is not merely a triumph in sport; it is the dawn of a new era for Indian chess. As the nation celebrates, the future promises even greater achievements, setting the stage for India to become a dominant force in the world of chess.