India Shines at FIDE Chess Olympiad with Historic Double Gold Victory

Prime Minister Narendra Modi commended the Indian teams on their historic achievement of securing gold medals in both men's and women's events at the FIDE Chess Olympiad in Budapest. Modi highlighted this as a significant milestone in India's sports journey, applauding the effort and success of the players.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday congratulated the Indian team for securing two gold medals in both the men's and women's events at the International Chess Federation (FIDE) Chess Olympiad, heralding a "new chapter" in India's sports trajectory. The Indian contingent delivered an exceptional performance in Budapest, clinching gold on Sunday.

"Historic win for India as our chess contingent wins the 45th #FIDE Chess Olympiad! India has won the Gold in both open and women's category at Chess Olympiad! Congratulations to our incredible Men's and Women's Chess Teams. 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," PM Modi stated in a post on X.

The men's team, featuring D Gukesh, R. Praggnanandhaa, Arjun Erigaisi, Vidit Gujrathi, and Pentala Harikrishna, triumphed over Slovenia, securing gold with a notable 3.5-0.5 victory, bolstered by wins from Gukesh, Erigaisi, and Praggnanandhaa, along with a draw from Vidit.

Simultaneously, the women's team, comprising Harika Dronavalli, R. Vaishali, Divya Deshmukh, Vantika Agarwal, and Tania Sachdev, secured their victory by defeating Azerbaijan 3.5-0.5. Victories from Harika, Divya, and Vantika, and a draw by Vaishali, sealed the gold for India.

Earlier, during his address to the Indian diaspora at Nassau Coliseum in New York, PM Modi acknowledged Team India's triumph, stating, "Bharat is full of energy and dreams." He praised the achievements, asserting that each day brings new accomplishments for the nation.

Additionally, PM Modi is set to engage with CEOs of major US-based companies to promote collaborations in AI, quantum computing, semiconductors, and biotechnology on Sunday. The Prime Minister had earlier participated in the Quad Leaders' Summit in Delaware, along with notable international leaders.

(With inputs from agencies.)