IndiaIndia Wins Bronze
India's chess team secured a bronze medal in the Women's category at the 2026 Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, with 19-year-old Savitha Shri winning individual gold. The team's performance was highlighted by brilliant individual efforts on the lower boards.
Global Newsflix 2 min read
The Indian Women's team finished third in the Women's category, with Savitha Shri winning individual gold on Board 5. She scored 9/10 and remained unbeaten throughout the tournament.
Savitha's performance was crucial to the team's success, as she won six games in a row and secured a 2-2 draw for India against Kazakhstan in Round 8.
The women's team was seeded higher than their eventual finish, but still managed to secure a podium spot. The Open team, seeded second, won a silver medal.
World Champion D. Gukesh showed immense grit in his silver-winning performance on board four, scoring 8.5 points with seven victories.
The Indian contingent successfully retained the prestigious Nona Gaprindashvili Cup, awarded on the basis of the combined standings of both sections.
R Praggnanandhaa, India's sole representative in the open section of the 2026 Candidates Tournament, did not win the top prize but still had a strong performance.
Vantika Agrawal won double bronze at the Chess Olympiad, with her performance being hailed as a highlight of the tournament.
Key facts
- India won bronze in the Women's category at the 2026 Chess Olympiad
- Savitha Shri won individual gold on Board 5
- The Indian contingent retained the Nona Gaprindashvili Cup
- D. Gukesh won silver on board four
Three perspectives
Neutral
The Indian chess team's performance at the 2026 Chess Olympiad was a mixed bag, with some strong individual performances but ultimately falling short of expectations. The team will look to build on their success in future tournaments. The Indian chess scene continues to produce talented players.
Positive
Savitha Shri's individual gold medal was a highlight of the tournament, and her performance is a testament to the strength of Indian chess. The team's bronze medal finish is a testament to their hard work and dedication.
Negative
The Indian team's failure to win gold was a disappointment, especially given their strong performance in the previous tournament. The team will need to regroup and refocus for future competitions.
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