India's sporting legacy has reached a new pinnacle as both the men’s and women’s chess teams secured their first-ever gold medals at the prestigious 45th Chess Olympiad held in Budapest.

A Double Triumph for India

On Sunday, India etched its name in history as both its men’s and women’s chess teams clinched the gold in a rare and remarkable clean sweep. This is only the third time in the Olympiad’s long history that a country has won both titles in the same edition, with India now joining the ranks of powerhouses like China and the former Soviet Union.

The men’s team delivered an exceptional performance, defeating Slovenia 3.5-0.5 in the final round, while the women’s team similarly outclassed Azerbaijan by the same margin. This victory caps off a phenomenal run for both teams, who have consistently demonstrated their strength and resilience throughout the tournament.

A New Chapter in Indian Sports

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his pride and excitement at this unprecedented accomplishment. In a message on X (formerly Twitter), he praised the teams, stating, “Historic win for India as our chess contingent wins the 45th #FIDE Chess Olympiad! India has won the Gold in both the open and women’s category at the Chess Olympiad!” His words echoed the sentiments of millions of fans across the country.

PM Modi added, “This remarkable achievement marks a new chapter in India's sports trajectory. May this success inspire generations of chess enthusiasts to excel in the game.” 

The Men's Path to Glory

The Indian men’s team displayed incredible form throughout the tournament, finishing with 21 points out of a possible 22. The team’s only slip came in the form of a 2-2 draw against Uzbekistan, but they quickly bounced back, conquering all other opponents. The victory was spearheaded by World Championship challenger D Gukesh, alongside the talented Arjun Erigaisi and R Praggnanandhaa, who consistently delivered in crucial games. Their performances in the final round against Slovenia sealed India’s maiden gold in the open category.

The men’s team has a history of success in the Chess Olympiad, having won bronze in 2014 and 2022. However, this golden achievement marks a significant leap forward, showcasing the depth of India’s chess talent.

Women's Team Seals the Double

Not to be outdone, India’s women’s team mirrored their male counterparts by securing a 3.5-0.5 victory over Azerbaijan, ensuring the rare double gold. D Harika, playing on the top board, showcased her technical prowess, while Divya Deshmukh delivered a commanding performance, winning an individual gold medal on the third board. R Vaishali’s draw further secured the win, with Vantika Agrawal rounding out the victory with another brilliant performance.

The Indian women’s team had previously earned a bronze medal in the 2022 edition of the Olympiad, but their triumph in Budapest has solidified their position as one of the top chess teams in the world.

This double gold victory has not only elevated the status of Indian chess but has also inspired a new generation of players. With the eyes of the world on them, these champions have shown that India is truly a force to be reckoned with in the global chess arena.