Global chess legend and five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand congratulated Team India for their historic triumph at the 2024 Chess Olympiad in Budapest, where the nation claimed gold medals in both the men's and women's events for the first time. Anand, a pioneer of Indian chess and a mentor to many of the country’s top players, took to his official X (formerly Twitter) handle to express his pride in the teams' remarkable performances.
India’s men's and women's teams showcased outstanding consistency and skill throughout the tournament, overcoming some of the world's strongest chess nations to secure their first-ever golds in both categories. The achievement marks a significant milestone for Indian chess, as it solidifies the country’s rising dominance on the global chess stage.
In his post, Anand specifically praised the Indian women's team, which delivered a particularly impressive showing in Budapest. He singled out Vantika Agrawal and Divya Deshmukh for their standout performances in the final round, which played a pivotal role in securing the women's team’s historic victory. Both players demonstrated composure and skill under pressure, contributing crucial points that sealed the gold medal for India.
Anand’s congratulatory message resonated deeply with the Indian chess community, as his endorsement is a testament to the country’s growing stature in the world of chess. India has produced several top-tier chess players over the years, and this double gold at the Chess Olympiad is a testament to the depth of talent and the hard work of the players, coaches, and support staff.
The victory in Budapest not only marks a historic achievement for India but also boosts the country's confidence as it continues to compete on the global chess circuit. With Viswanathan Anand, one of the greatest players in the sport's history, celebrating their success, India's chess teams have undoubtedly etched their names in the annals of the Chess Olympiad. This success is expected to inspire a new generation of players as India solidifies its place as a chess powerhouse.
