21 Wins, 2 Teams, 1 Historic Night: PM Modi Honors India’s Chess Heroes

PM Modi Hosts Chess Olympiad Champions, Celebrates India’s Double Gold Triumph

On September 25, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed India’s chess champions to his residence at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg in New Delhi to celebrate their historic double gold win at the 45th Chess Olympiad. This prestigious victory, secured in Budapest, marked India’s first-ever gold medals in both the men’s and women’s categories, solidifying India’s growing dominance in the global chess arena.

A Memorable Meet: Modi Witnesses a Special Match

The meeting was an extraordinary event, with chess prodigies like D Gukesh, Praggnanandhaa, Arjun Erigaisi, Tania Sachdev, and Divya Deshmukh in attendance. A special highlight of the evening was a quick chess game between Praggnanandhaa and Arjun Erigaisi, which left the Prime Minister spellbound. Modi closely followed the match, showcasing his admiration for India’s young chess stars.

A Historic Victory for Indian Chess

India’s men’s team achieved an impressive victory by defeating Slovenia in the final round, with key players like Gukesh, Praggnanandhaa, and Erigaisi leading the charge. Gukesh, in particular, played a pivotal role, winning 10 of his 11 matches. The women’s team triumphed over Azerbaijan, with stars like Vaishali Rameshbabu, Harika Dronavalli, and Tania Sachdev securing gold. Both teams put up dominant performances, with the men’s team securing 21 out of 22 possible points and the women’s team earning 19 points.

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PM Modi’s Words of Praise and Encouragement

During the interaction, Prime Minister Modi lauded the teams for their determination and teamwork. He asked about their experience during the Olympiad and how their opponents reacted to their exceptional performance. Harika Dronavalli revealed that their rivals expressed happiness for their success, while Tania Sachdev shared that the women’s team had been especially motivated to beat the USA after their previous close encounter in the last Olympiad.

Modi, who had followed their progress closely, also emphasized the importance of India’s rise in global sports, remarking that success in fields like sports, science, and cinema are as important indicators of national growth as economic achievements.

AI’s Role in Shaping Chess: Modi’s Curiosity

The Prime Minister, known for his interest in technology, inquired about the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in shaping modern chess. Praggnanandhaa explained that AI has revolutionized the game by introducing new strategies and insights, making players better prepared. Vidit Gujrathi added that AI has democratized chess, allowing more people to access high-level training and compete effectively. This evolving technology, they noted, has played a pivotal role in their preparation for high-stakes tournaments.

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A Personal Touch: Modi’s Attention to Detail

In a heartfelt moment, Modi surprised young chess star Vantika Agrawal by mentioning her upcoming birthday, showing his personal investment in the lives of the players. Vantika expressed her amazement at the Prime Minister’s memory, noting that he had earlier felicitated her when she was just nine years old. This thoughtful gesture touched the players and demonstrated Modi’s deep respect for their achievements.

India’s Bright Future in Chess and Sports

As the meeting concluded, PM Modi expressed his hope that India’s double gold victory would inspire future generations of chess players. He emphasized that a nation’s greatness is marked by achievements across various fields, and India’s remarkable performance in Budapest signifies a new chapter in its sporting journey.

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This historic triumph not only reinforces India’s position in the chess world but also highlights the country’s potential to become a global sporting powerhouse.