India names star-studded Chess Olympiad squads as Gukesh, Praggnanandhaa, Vaishali lead title defense | Chess News
NEW DELHI: Defending champions India have named strong 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.India wrote history at the 2024 Chess Olympiad by capturing the Open and Women’s team gold medals for the first time, and the announced squads show 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 on the side to win the Open title in 2024.The women’s team consists of Koneru Humpy, R Vaishali, Divya Deshmukh, Vantika Agrawal and Savitha Shri B, under the captaincy of Swayams Mishra. Humpy and Savitha replace two members of last year’s gold medal-winning squad, strengthening an already strong lineup.
Praggnanandhaa’s form, Vaishali’s rise boosts India’s hopes
The Indian squad combines proven champions with players who are enjoying incredible new form.Praggnanandhaa heads into the Olympiad full of confidence after winning the prestigious Norway Chess tournament in June. The 20-year-old produced one of the best performances of his career, beating No. 1 in the world Magnus Carlsen and the world champion Gukesh on their way to the title.Gukesh, on the other hand, will be keen to rediscover his best form after a disappointing outing at the recently concluded Chennai Grand Masters, where he finished at the bottom of the standings with just two points after losing three of his seven matches.On the women’s side, Vaishali has emerged as one of India’s brightest stars. Earlier this year, she became the first Indian woman to win the FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament, earning the right to challenge China’s Ju Wenjun for the Women’s World Championship.Former world rapid champion Humpy brings a wealth of experience to the team after missing India’s triumphant 2024 Olympiad campaign, while reigning Women’s World Cup winner Divya Deshmukh and Vantika Agrawal add further depth.
The Indian squads for Chess Olympiad 2026
- Tomorrow: D Gukesh, Arjun Erigaisi, R Praggnanandhaa, Nihal Sarin, Vidit Gujrathi
- Captain: Srinath Narayanan
- Female: Koneru Humpy, R Vaishali, Divya Deshmukh, Vantika Agrawal, Savitha Shri B
- Captain: Swayams Mishra
Viswanathan Anand took over as FIDE interim president
In another significant development for Indian chess, five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand has assumed the role of interim FIDE president after incumbent Arkady Dvorkovich temporarily stepped down.Dvorkovich, who was recently included in the European Union sanctions list related to the Russia-Ukraine war, announced that he will suspend the exercise of his powers while he challenges the decision.According to the FIDE Charter, Anand, who has served as Deputy President of the governing body since 2022, will automatically take over as interim president until Dvorkovich’s status changes.The appointment marks another landmark moment for Indian chess, with one of the country’s greatest players now leading the sport’s global governing body even as India prepares to defend two Olympiad team titles next month.
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