New Delhi, Sep 28: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has congratulated India’s chess teams for their medal-winning performance at the 46th FIDE Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
India finished with silver in the Open section and bronze in the women’s event. The country also retained the prestigious Nona Gaprindashvili Trophy, awarded for the best combined performance across the two sections.
Modi praised the players for their passion and determination and said their success could encourage more young people to take up chess and aim for excellence.
In the Open section, India drew 2-2 with Hungary in the final round to secure the silver medal on the tie-break. Arjun Erigaisi defeated Peter Leko, while Hungary’s Gleb Dudin defeated world champion D Gukesh. Uzbekistan won the gold, while Germany took bronze.
The Indian women’s team also finished on the podium after drawing 2-2 with Georgia. India secured the bronze medal on the tie-break, while China won gold and Kazakhstan took silver.
The latest result also extended India’s strong run with the Nona Gaprindashvili Trophy. India has now won the award at three consecutive Chess Olympiads, following its success in Chennai in 2022 and Budapest in 2024.
The double-medal finish in Samarkand adds another notable achievement to India’s growing presence in international chess and is expected to give further encouragement to young players across the country.