Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated India's young chess players for their historic achievement at the 45th Chess Olympiad in Budapest, where both the men’s and women’s teams won their maiden gold medals.
India made history on Sunday as the men’s team defeated Slovenia, and the women’s team triumphed over Azerbaijan in the final round, securing their first-ever gold at the prestigious event.
In the men's competition, D Gukesh, Arjun Erigaisi, and R Praggnanandhaa delivered decisive wins in the 11th and final rounds. D Gukesh, the standout player, won an impressive 10 out of 11 rounds in the Open category, pivotal in the team’s overall victory.
The women's team, led by players such as R Vaishali, D Harika, and Tania Sachdev, secured their gold by defeating Azerbaijan. Both victories marked a significant milestone in India's chess history, elevating the country's status in the global chess arena.
During an interaction shared on social media, Prime Minister Modi met with several chess champions, including Vidit Gujrathi, Arjun Erigaisi, and Praggnanandhaa. The players presented the Prime Minister with a chessboard, after which Praggnanandhaa and Erigaisi played a quick game, leaving Modi visibly impressed by their skill.
Earlier, a video shared by the Sports Ministry captured the Indian chess contingent departing their hotel to meet the Prime Minister. The men’s team finished with an outstanding 21 out of a possible 22 points in Budapest, conceding just one draw (2-2) against Uzbekistan while defeating all other opponents.
The historic double gold victory is seen as a new chapter for Indian chess, with both teams' performances lauded as exemplary. Prime Minister Modi's interaction highlighted the nation's pride in their achievement, cementing India’s place as a rising chess powerhouse.