Chess Olympiad 2024: India clinches maiden gold in open section, beats Slovenia in final round

India’s title win was secured in the final round after second-placed China dropped points on two boards against the USA, while the Indians got the better of Slovenia.

Gukesh D of India, during the final round of the 45th Chess Olympiad in Budapest, Hungary. | Photo Credit: Denes Erdos/AP

India claimed a maiden Chess Olympiad gold medal, in the open section in Hungary on Sunday.

India’s title win was secured in the final round after second-placed China dropped points on two boards against the USA, while the Indians got the better of Slovenia.

Newly anointed World No. 3 Arjun Erigaisi clocked the first win for India. World Championship challenger D Gukesh and R Praggnanandhaa soon added wins to cap off a fitting finish to their campaign.

AS IT HAPPENED - Chess Olympiad Round 11

The Indian team enjoyed a near-flawless run in the competition, starting with eight wins before it was held to a draw by defending champion Uzbekistan.

India soon returned to winning ways, trumping top-seeded USA in the penultimate round to effectively seal the title.

With this title run, India bettered its performance from the 2022 Olympiad, where it won a bronze medal on home soil. India had previously won a bronze in the 2014 edition.

While Gukesh won the individual gold in the first board, Arjun secured the top prize in the third board.

India also won the gold in the women’s section, which ensured the country retained the Gaprindashvili Trophy, awarded for the nation with the best performance across both divisions.