Chess Olympiad 2024: India clinches maiden gold in open section

India claimed a maiden gold medal in the open section of the 2024 Chess Olympiad on Sunday.

India’s title win was secured in the final round after second-placed China dropped points on two boards against the USA, while Arjun Erigaisi and D Gukesh clinched wins for the Indians against Slovenia.

The Indian team enjoyed a near-flawless run in the competition, starting with eight wins before it was held to a draw by defending champion Uzbekistan.

India soon returned to winning ways, trumping top-seeded USA in the penultimate round to effectively seal the title.

With this India bettered its performance from the 2022 Olympiad where it won a bronze medal in home soil. India had previously won a bronze in the 2014 edition.