Viswanathan Anand, Arjun Erigaisi, D Gukesh and Praggnanandhaa. (X)
Anand heaped praise on the players and sent his wishes to the prodigies that had brought the yellow-metal home following a brilliant campaign at the 45th Chess Olympiad in Hungary.
The Indian men’s and women’s chess units scripted history with their maiden gold medal win at the 45th Chess Olympiad on Sunday in Budapest.
Following the unprecedented achievement, the legendary Indian chess wizard Viswanathan Anand heaped praise on the players and sent his wishes to the prodigies that had brought the yellow metal home.
Anand posted an update that read, “Congrats to Team India for winning the last round as well! Sensational @DGukesh and @ArjunErigaisi , but also congrats to @viditchess on an impressive result. Great captaincy by @srinathchess .”
He also lauded the women’s team that doubled the delight with their maiden gold at the Olympiad with another post that read, “Congrats to India’s Women’s team. Great result by the whole team and captain @chessgmkunte . and a special mention to @DivyaDeshmukh05 and to @vantikachess for her performance.”
Sports Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya also lauded the gold-winning sides with a post that read, India makes History in Chess! Huge congratulations to our Men’s Chess team – @DGukesh , @ArjunErigaisi , @praggchess , @viditchess , and @HariChess for winning GOLD at the Chess Olympiad This is India’s FIRST-EVER win in this prestigious event! Our chess heroes have made India proud, showcasing their brilliance and hard work on the global stage!”
He also extended his wishes to the women’s unit with an update that read, “GOLDEN ERA FOR INDIAN CHESS India makes history with the first ever GOLD at 2024 Chess Olympiad Congratulations to our Women’s team, @DivyaDeshmukh05 , @HarikaDronavali , @chessvaishali , @vantikachess , @TaniaSachdev India’s Chess Excellence shines globally!”
India’s previous best result at the Chess Olympiad was the bronze finish the men and women registered on home territory in the year 2022.