India name Chess Olympiad squads as Gukesh, Pragg, Vaishali lead title defence
India has announced its men's and women's squads for the upcoming FIDE Chess Olympiad in Uzbekistan. The teams, led by stars like D Gukesh and R Vaishali, aim to defend their historic gold medals won in 2024.
Why it matters
India's recent dominance in international chess has turned the country into a global powerhouse in the sport, drawing significant national interest.
NEW DELHI: Defending champions India have named formidable men's and women's squads for the FIDE Chess Olympiad, with world champion D Gukesh, in-form R Praggnanandhaa and Women's Candidates winner R Vaishali leading the country's bid to retain both team titles in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, from September 16 to 27.India scripted history at the 2024 Chess Olympiad by clinching both the Open and Women's team gold medals for the first time, and the announced squads reflect the country's determination to successfully defend the twin crowns.The men's team will feature D Gukesh, Arjun Erigaisi, R Praggnanandhaa, Nihal Sarin and Vidit Gujrathi, with seasoned coach Srinath Narayanan serving as captain. Sarin is the only new face in the side that captured the Open title in 2024.The women's team comprises Koneru Humpy, R Vaishali, Divya Deshmukh, Vantika Agrawal and Savitha Shri B, under the captaincy of Swayams Mishra.
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