India Targets Back-to-Back Success at 46th Chess Olympiad in Samarkand

The global chess community turns its attention to Samarkand this Wednesday as the 46th Chess Olympiad gets underway. Following a historic dual-victory in Budapest two years ago, India arrives at the prestigious team event—often compared to the Davis Cup in tennis—as one of the primary favorites to secure top honors in both the open and women’s divisions.

The tournament, which runs until September 27, features a massive field of 208 teams in the open section and 191 in the women’s category. While the competition remains fierce, India’s squads have been carefully assembled to defend their status as the team to beat, despite some fluctuations in individual form among key personnel.

Men’s Squad Eyes Top Spot Amidst Stiff Competition

Seeded second in the open section, the Indian men’s team enters the fray with a blend of seasoned talent and rising stars. Much of the pre-tournament discussion has centered on D. Gukesh, who faces scrutiny following a dip in form since becoming the youngest World champion. However, team management remains optimistic, noting his previous track record as a dominant force in the last two Olympiads, where he secured individual gold medals against elite opposition.

The squad is bolstered by the current form of R. Praggnanandhaa, who has enjoyed a string of recent successes, alongside the reliable presence of Arjun Erigaisi. Nihal Sarin and Vidit Gujrathi round out a formidable lineup. India will face significant pressure from top-seeded United States and host nation Uzbekistan, the latter of which features Javokhir Sindarov, who is also slated to face Gukesh in the upcoming World title match.

Women’s Team Strengthened by Humpy’s Return

In the women’s category, India enters as the top seed, significantly strengthened by the return of legendary player Koneru Humpy. Having missed the Budapest campaign, Humpy’s inclusion brings a wealth of experience to a side eager to defend its title. Her presence is expected to provide stability as the team navigates the 11-round Swiss system tournament.

The depth of the women’s roster is further highlighted by the inclusion of the rapidly improving Divya Deshmukh and R. Vaishali. Vantika Agrawal, who has previously delivered solid performances, joins the team alongside 19-year-old debutant B. Savitha Shri. To secure a repeat of their previous success, the Indian women will need to overcome stiff challenges from traditional powerhouses, including China, Georgia, and Kazakhstan. The event concludes on September 27, marking the end of a high-stakes competition that remains the pinnacle of international team chess.