Chennai: Indian Grandmaster D Gukesh arrived back home to a hero’s welcome after leading India to a historic gold medal in the recently concluded Chess Olympiad in Budapest. Gukesh was a key to India’s monumental success in the men’s open section event. Indian women’s team followed their men’s counterparts in winning the top podium finish at the 45th edition of the Chess Olympiad in the Hungarian capital.
The men’s team demolished Slovenia 3.5-0.5, while the women thumped Azerbaijan with an identical margin in the 11th round to complete a historic double.
India joined the elusive list of countries to win gold medals in both men’s and women’s categories in the same edition. Before India’s remarkable feat in the 2024 edition, China and the erstwhile Soviet Union were the only two nations to achieve the remarkable feat.
Gukesh, who delivered a superlative performance by scoring 9/10 and leading the team to a landmark victory, received a grand welcome at the Chennai airport.
WATCH: GUKESH ARRIVES TO HERO’S WELCOME IN CHENNAI
#WATCH | Chess grandmaster D Gukesh arrives at Chennai airport after winning double Gold medal for India in the Chess Olympiad 2024, in Budapest. pic.twitter.com/EbRyt6hQuY
— ANI (@ANI) September 24, 2024
Chennai: Chess Grandmaster D Gukesh is welcomed upon his arrival at the Chennai Airport after winning the gold medal at the 45th Chess Olympiad, in Chennai, Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2024. (PTI Phot0)
Following a remarkable display in Budapest, Gukesh’s live rating has soared to 2794, placing him at world no. 5. Arjun Erigaisi was in supreme form, finishing with 10/11 and reaching a live rating of 2797 and becoming world no. 3, ahead of Fabiano Caruana. Praggnanandhaa R, Pentala Harikrishna, and Vidit Gujrathi were also instrumental to a nearly flawless campaign of India, which saw them drop only 1 game out of 44.
18-year-old Gukesh enjoyed a sensational campaign, remaining unbeaten throughout the 11 rounds, finishing with eight wins and two draws. His performance rating was 3056, making him the only player in the 2024 edition of the tournament to break the 3000+ mark.
Gukesh will be next seen at the World Chess Championship to be held in November-December in Singapore. The Indian GM will be among the favourites to win the world title despite a tougher competitive field.
Indian Grandmaster D Gukesh delivered a superlative performance by scoring 9/10 and leading the team, received a grand welcome at the Chennai airport. Other Sports Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
