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On Sunday, September 22, the Indian women’s team defeated Azerbaijan 3.5-0.5 in the round 11 of the 45th Chess Olympiad, to clinch gold at the SYMA Sports and Conference Center in Budapest, Hungary. After the Indian men’s team won gold earlier today, the Women in Blue did the rare double title triumph at the 45th Chess Olympiad with splendid performances from the likes of Divya Deshmukh, Vantika Agrawal, Harika Dronavalli, Vaishali Praggnanandhaa, and Tania Sachdev, along with the non-playing captain, Abhijit Kunte, right throughout the tournament.
After Kazakhstan versus the USA clash ended in a 2-2 draw, India were officially crowned champions of the 45th Chess Olympiad in the women’s competition, During their clash against Azerbaijan, Divya Deshmukh started the proceedings with a commanding win over Beydullayeva Govhar of Azerbaijan in her match before Harika Dornavalli made it 2-0 for India after getting the better of Mammadazada Gunay, both playing with the white pieces.
Divya Deshmukh was the star performer for Indian women's team in 45th Chess Olympiad
Following that, Vaishali Rameshbabu held Ulviyya Fataliyeva to a draw in a pulsating battle on the board after being in a tough spot at one stage with the black pieces. In the other match, Vantika Agrawal defeated Khanim Balajayeva with the black pieces, to make it a convincing performance for the Indian women’s team in the round 11 of the 45th Chess Olympiad.
Earlier in the day, the Indian men’s team defeated Slovenia 3.5-0.5 in the round 11, to win the historic gold medal at the Chess Olympiad for the first-time ever. For India, Dommaraju Gukesh and Arjun Erigaisi defeated Vladimir Fedoseev and Jan Subelj with the black pieces respectively before Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa took down Anton Demchenko and Vidit Gujrathi drew against Matej Sebenik with the white pieces.
