India Shines at 45th Chess Olympiad with Dominating Performances

In the ongoing 45th Chess Olympiad, Indian men scored vital wins against Azerbaijan, maintaining their perfect record. Key performances by D Gukesh and Arjun Erigaisi were instrumental. The women's team, led by D Harika, faced mixed results but remained competitive. India joins the leaders' pack on ten points.

India's men's team continued their impressive run at the 45th Chess Olympiad, securing a crucial victory over Azerbaijan in the fifth round on Sunday.

Exceptional performances by D Gukesh and Arjun Erigaisi, who decisively defeated their opponents Aydin Suleymanli and Rauf Mamedov, kept India's winning streak alive. Praggnanandhaa's draw clinched the win, regardless of Vidit Gujrathi's match outcome.

India now shares the lead with Vietnam, both teams maintaining a flawless record of ten points. In the women's section, despite Grandmaster D Harika's unexpected loss, victories by Vantika Agarwal and a draw by Xeniya Balabayeva kept the team competitive. Team India is set to join Armenia and Mongolia in the lead.

(With inputs from agencies.)