Chess Olympiad 2024: Gukesh, Arjun guide India to historic gold medal

India were crowned champions in the open section of Chess Olympiad after D Gukesh and Arjun Erigaisi clinched win against Slovenia in the final round. India had a near flawless campaign in the tournament.

In Short

• India pip China to win the Chess Olympiad 2024
• India beat Slovenia in the final round of the competition
• D Gukesh and Arjun Erigaisi clinch crucial wins

Crucial wins from D Gukesh and Arjun Erigaisi guided India to their maiden Chess Olympiad title on Sunday, September 22. Playing in Budapest, India beat Slovenia in the final round of the competition to pip China to the title in the open section. Second-placed China dropped points on two boards against the USA.

The Indian squad enjoyed an impressive run throughout the competition, beginning with eight consecutive wins before being held to a draw by defending champions Uzbekistan. They quickly bounced back, defeating top-seeded USA in the penultimate round, which effectively sealed the title.

This victory marks a significant improvement over India’s performance in the 2022 Olympiad, where they won a bronze medal on home soil. Previously, India also secured a bronze in the 2014 edition of the tournament.