India names star-studded Chess Olympiad teams as Gukesh, Praggnanandhaa, Vaishali lead title defense

ByTech Word News

File Pic: R Vaishali, R Praggnanandhaa and D Gukesh after India won both titles at the 2024 Chess Olympiad. (PTI Photo) NEW DELHI: Defending champions India have named formidable men’s and women’s teams for the FIDE Chess Olympiad, with world champion D Gukesh, in-form R Praggnanandhaa and women’s candidate winner R Vaishali leading the country’s bid to retain both team titles in Samarkand, Uzbekistan until 27-Sep-16.India made history at the 2024 Chess Olympiad by winning both the open and women’s team gold medals for the first time, and the teams announced reflect the country’s determination to successfully defend the twin titles.The men’s team will feature D Gukesh, Arjun Erigaisi, R Praggnanandhaa, Nihal Sarin and Vidit Gujrathi, captained by seasoned coach Srinath Narayanan. Sarin is the only new face in the squad to win the 2024 Open title.The women’s team consists of Koneru Humpy, R Vaishali, Divya Deshmukh, Vantika Agrawal and Savitha Shri B, led by Swayams Mishra. Humpy and Savitha will replace two members of last year’s gold medal-winning team, strengthening an already formidable line-up.

Praggnanandhaa’s form and Vaishali’s rise boost India’s hopes

The Indian team combines proven champions with players enjoying exceptional recent form.Praggnanandhaa heads into the Olympics full of confidence after winning the prestigious Norwegian chess tournament in June. The 20-year-old produced one of the best performances of his career, defeating world number one Magnus Carlsen and world champion Gukesh en route to the title.Meanwhile, Gukesh will be eager to rediscover his best form after a disappointing outing at the recently concluded Chennai Grand Masters where he finished bottom of the table with just two points after losing three out of seven games.On the women’s side, Vaishali has become one of India’s brightest stars. Earlier this year, she became the first Indian woman to win a FIDE women’s tournament, earning the right to challenge China’s Ju Wenjun for the Women’s World Championship.Former World Rapid Champion Humpy brings immense experience to the squad after missing out on India’s 2024 Olympics triumphant campaign, while reigning Women’s World Cup winner Divya Deshmukh and Vantika Agrawal add further depth.

Indian Teams for Chess Olympiad 2026

  • OPEN: D Gukesh, Arjun Erigaisi, R Praggnanandhaa, Nihal Sarin, Vidit Gujrathi
  • Captain: Srinath Narayanan

  • Women: Koneru Humpy, R Vaishali, Divya Deshmukh, Vantika Agrawal, Savitha Shri B
  • Captain: Swayams Mishra

Viswanathan Anand takes over as interim president of FIDE

In another major development for Indian chess, five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand has taken on the role of interim FIDE president after incumbent Arkady Dvorkovich temporarily stepped aside.Dvorkovic, who was recently placed on the European Union’s sanctions list related to the Russia-Ukraine war, announced that he would suspend the exercise of his powers while the decision is challenged.According to FIDE’s charter, Anand, who has been vice-chairman of the governing body since 2022, automatically takes over as interim president until Dvorkovic’s status changes.The appointment marks another milestone 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 both of its Olympic team titles next month.