India's Chess Triumph: A Golden Era Begins

Prime Minister Narendra Modi applauded India's young chess players for their remarkable success at the 45th Chess Olympiad in Budapest. Both the men's and women's teams secured their first-ever gold medals. Players like D Gukesh and R Praggnanandhaa played crucial roles in the victories. Modi interacted with the champions in a video shared online.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday praised India's young chess players for their landmark 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 as the men's team defeated Slovenia and the women's team triumphed over Azerbaijan in the final round, clinching their first-ever gold medals at the prestigious event.

D Gukesh, Arjun Erigaisi, and R Praggnanandhaa were key players in the men's competition, delivering decisive wins in the 11th and final round. In a video shared on social media, Modi interacted with the champions, including R Vaishali, D Harika, Tania Sachdev, Vidit Gujrathi, Arjun Erigaisi, and Praggnanandhaa. Gukesh, who won 10 out of 11 rounds, was the star of the tournament.

During their interaction, the players gifted Modi a chessboard, after which Praggnanandhaa and Erigaisi played a quick game that left the Prime Minister impressed. The Indian men's team finished with 21 out of 22 possible points, conceding only one draw against Uzbekistan.

(With inputs from agencies.)