India’s literal clean sweep at the 2024 Chess Olympiads in Budapest – winning the Open and Women’s Team Gold and three individual gold medals – has surely put the world on notice with the country possibly taking its first steps to be a global powerhouse in the sport, much like the Soviet-dominated the sport in the early 1980s.
The dust will take time to settle on this momentous victory, as the outpouring of support and love from the nation has been nothing short of overwhelming for the players. “I am very grateful that people have shown so much love and that even the government has taken notice of this and appreciates it,” GM Vidit Gujarathi – part of the gold-medal-winning Open team told News18 Sports in an exclusive interview.
“The achievement, where India secured the top spot among 190 countries in both the men’s and women’s categories for the first time in 100 years, has been a source of immense pride. “It’s a feeling that has been building for a long time, and now it calls for a celebration,” he added.
India had narrowly missed out on the top prize in Chennai at the 2022 Olympiad, but with a heady mix of youth and experience the team managed to go the full distance this time around. “It [Gold] did elude us for long, but no longer!” Gujarathi reflected, recalling the pressure that came with high expectations. “I received messages from many people saying, ‘This is a super team,’ and that thought lingered in my mind.”
Demolition Act
The team began with a strong showing, winning their first match 4-0, followed by another 4-0 victory. By the time they faced Hungary’s B team, they were brimming with confidence, securing a decisive 3.5-0.5 win. This early success was a vital morale booster, especially as their main rivals faltered—USA lost, and China drew. “We were ahead of our main rivals and winning convincingly, which gave us a lot of confidence,” assessed the 29-year-old.
In a crucial match against China, the team found itself leading but aware that the advantage was slim. The tide turned when Gukesh, a standout player, delivered a masterclass that left spectators in awe. “I was in the gym during that match, and when it started going well, I decided not to move from there. I ended up doing a very long workout just because Gukesh was winning,” he recalled. That victory against China’s top player became a defining moment for the team.
As the tournament progressed, Team India faced top-seeded USA in a penultimate match. With the stakes higher than ever, the players understood the implications of the outcome. “If we lost, they would tie with us, making the tournament wide open. After we won that match, I felt like, ‘Okay, now gold is in our hands,’” he recalled.
In addition to Gukesh’s phenomenal performance – scoring 9 points in 10 games and only player in this tournament to break the 3000+ mark performance rating, Arjun Erigaisi also was brilliant, scoring 10 points in 11 games.
The experienced Gujarthi was rock solid on Board 4 scoring 7.5 out of 10 and went unbeaten in the tournament. “I had a very good tournament. My match against Hungary was crucial because the other boards were drawing, and I had to win that game on demand, and I managed to do that,” he said.
Carrying Forward the Anand Legacy
And as the players bask in the glory looking at the future, it is also a reminder of the legacy that they have carried forward from the glorious past of Viswanathan Anand. “Success is never overnight, and this change isn’t either; it takes time,” pointed out Gujarathi. The legacy of chess in India began with the legendary Vishwanathan Anand, who paved the way for future generations. “He’s a legend of the game, and because of him, many took to chess”.
The surge in popularity of chess became particularly evident during the pandemic in 2020, when many took to online platforms to engage with the game. “I was streaming a lot with my online community friends, who did a fantastic job of popularising chess,” shared Gujarathi.
“Players like Gukesh, who is just 18 and challenging for the world championship, provide that hope,” he stated. With this victory, there’s optimism about the future, with the hope that someday a child might say, “Because of that event you won, I got into chess, and now I’m India’s number one or the world number one.”
The current achievement holds incredible importance for the global perception of Indian chess. “In the last 2-3 years, people have been saying that India is going to be the next superpower in chess,” remarked Gujarathi. This championship victory solidified that potential.
“People recognized the potential and were waiting for something significant. I remember Magnus Carlsen said in 2014 that in 10 to 15 years, India would become the world champions or the number one country. We’ve just changed that timeline and made it happen in 10 years. Now, people will look at India as favourites everywhere; we are no longer the underdogs. Over the past few years, we’ve changed that narrative, and now it’s clear that India is a superpower in chess”.
Vidit – the Accidental Chess Player
Reflecting on his own journey in chess, the Gujarathi described his initiation into the sport as a “happy accident.” Growing up, he was passionate about cricket, but a fateful encounter with chess changed his trajectory. “I used to play a lot of cricket like every Indian kid, but I was told to wait a year before starting due to my fragile physique,” he recounted. Instead of giving up, he picked up chess to compete against his father, who had previously bested him. “I got hooked to the game; I was day and night playing chess. I fell in love with it, started winning tournaments, and once I tasted success, I never looked back,” he shared, reflecting on 22 years in the sport.
Family played a critical role in nurturing his passion for chess. “My mom left her practice, her career just so that she could travel with me. My dad even learned cooking when he used to be by himself at home to take care of the clinic back home,” he recalled, expressing gratitude for their sacrifices. “What they have done, I could never do that; I feel sorry for my kids! What will I do? But I’m super grateful. They are the biggest blessing in my life,” he added.
Gujarathi is the fourth Indian player to have crossed the Elo rating threshold of 2700 and became the third Indian ever to qualify for a FIDE Candidates tournament by winning the FIDE Grand Swiss 2023. He eventually finished sixth, but got two wins over American Hikaru Nakamura.
Meeting with PM Modi
The players were welcomed back to India with open arms, and the honour of being recognised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “He was in the US when we won, but in his speech, he mentioned that we have won and announced it to the world,” recalled Gujarathi. “Despite such a hectic schedule, he met all of us. I felt so honoured that he was appreciating us. It felt like your efforts have been acknowledged, and you’re in the right direction,” he said.
Chess at the Olympics
As he looks to the future, Gujarathi remain ambitious. “I am hoping that chess gets included more, like in Asian Games how it was included and we won silver medal for the team. I wish it is also part of Olympics in near future. So that’s what actually, as you had asked, where do you see chess in future? I really wish see it in Olympics and all these Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, all these big events. I really want to be there and play for the country,” he stated, emphasising the need for chess to gain a larger platform. Individually, he aims to climb higher in the world rankings. “My world rank is now 20 or something. I want to take it higher,” he asserted, setting his sights on personal goals.
He will be seen in action very shortly at the Global Chess League playing for the Mumbai team- U Mumbai and taking about the league, Gujarathi was appreciative of the support for the league. “I think it’s an amazing initiative by Anand Mahindra sir. I think in 2020 he saw the Chess Olympiad online and that’s when he got into the chess world and he had a vision of doing this. I’m so glad that it’s happening. It’s the second edition that’s going to happen in London. So big thanks to him for, you know, taking up this initiative. And he was also tweeting a lot, actually during The Olympiad. And that felt so nice. I’m playing for the Mumbai team, U Mumba again second year in a row. We were so close to winning it last time and it went to the tie breaks and we won silver. So, fingers crossed that this time we win the gold here as well,” he concluded
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