Indian Chess Teams felicitated by Union Ministers for historic Olympiad wins

New Delhi: Union Ministers Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya and Ms Raksha Khadse honoured the Indian chess teams for their stellar performance at the 45th FIDE Chess Olympiad in Budapest, where they won two gold medals. The event recognized the teams’ historic victories, which have brought immense pride to the nation.

Celebrating India’s chess legacy

During the felicitation ceremony, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya praised India’s deep cultural connection with chess, reminding attendees that the game originated in the country. He commended the teams for upholding India’s rich intellectual tradition on the global stage. “You have honoured not just the nation, but our heritage,” he stated.

Govt. commitment to sports development

Dr. Mandaviya emphasized the government’s dedication to building an ecosystem that nurtures talent across all sports. He shared the ambitious goal of positioning India among the top five sporting nations by 2024. “Sporting achievements will be key to our global identity as we strive to become a developed nation,” he remarked.

Youth ambassadors and nation-building

The Union Minister urged the chess champions to inspire the next generation by sharing their stories of hard work and dedication. He encouraged them to become active participants in the Ministry’s Viksit Bharat Ambassador – Yuva Connect Programme, aimed at mobilizing youth for nation-building by 2047.

Friendly chess match with Gukesh Dommaraju

In a symbolic gesture of support, Dr. Mandaviya engaged in a friendly chess match with Gukesh Dommaraju, India’s young chess prodigy, reflecting the government’s enthusiasm for the game and its rising stars.

Historic Olympiad wins for India

India made history by securing two gold medals at the 45th Chess Olympiad. The men’s team triumphed over Slovenia, while the women’s team defeated Azerbaijan in their respective final rounds. The men’s team finished with 21 points, while the women’s team garnered 19 points.

Individual achievements and recognition

Four Indian players earned individual gold medals for their outstanding performances: Gukesh D. and Arjun Erigaisi in the Open section, and Divya Deshmukh and Vantika Agrawal in the Women’s section. The players expressed gratitude for the support they’ve received, including a recent meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.