The 45th Chess Olympiad 2024 promises to be a historic moment for Indian chess as the country’s strongest-ever team gears up for Budapest. With Grandmasters D Gukesh, R Praggnanandhaa, Arjun Erigaisi, Vidit Gujrathi, and Pentala Harikrishna leading the charge, India aims to capture gold in this prestigious event.
India has had a successful history at the Olympiad, winning a shared gold medal with Russia in the 2020 Online Chess Olympiad and securing bronze medals in 2014 and 2022. However, the 2024 Olympiad could be India’s breakthrough, especially considering the team’s recent form and significant improvements.
The captain of the Indian team, Srinath Narayanan, expressed his confidence, stating, “This is certainly the strongest team India has ever sent to an Olympiad. They have a decent chance of winning the gold, and a fair chance of securing a medal.”
A Star-Studded Lineup
India’s team features some of the most promising young talents in the chess world. Arjun Erigaisi (21), ranked No. 4 in the world with a rating of 2778, leads the team. He is followed by Gukesh (18), ranked No. 7 with a rating of 2764, Praggnanandhaa (19), ranked No. 12 with a rating of 2750, and Vidit Gujrathi (29), ranked No. 24 with a rating of 2720. Pentala Harikrishna, the 38-year-old veteran, rounds out the team with a ranking of 41 and a rating of 2686.
While chess legend Viswanathan Anand is absent, the current squad has proven to be a formidable force, achieving significant milestones in recent competitions, including a silver medal at the 2023 Asian Games.
The Battle for Gold
India’s competition at the Olympiad includes powerhouse teams from the USA and China, both of which boast an average player rating above 2700. China will feature World Champion Ding Liren, while Norway will be led by former World Champion Magnus Carlsen. The USA, weakened slightly by the absence of Hikaru Nakamura, remains a strong contender.
The team order for the tournament, which determines which player competes on which board, will be revealed just before the event. According to Srinath, India’s depth of talent offers them multiple options. “Almost everyone can play on any board, so we’re in a good place,” he commented.
A Year of Breakthroughs for Indian Chess
2024 has been a remarkable year for Indian chess. Gukesh secured a historic victory at the prestigious Candidates Tournament, Praggnanandhaa bested Carlsen in a classical match at Norway Chess, and Erigaisi has climbed into the top five rankings worldwide.
Should India win the gold at the Chess Olympiad, it would crown an exceptional year for the country’s players, especially with Gukesh on the brink of becoming the youngest-ever World Champion.
“This Olympiad is special for everyone, especially for a team as strong as this one. They are highly motivated, and we’re all excited to see what they can achieve,” added Srinath.
As the Olympiad draws near, all eyes will be on Team India. Will they bring home the gold and write another chapter in the country’s chess history?
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Source – The Indian Express