New Delhi [India], September 22 (ANI): The world-renowned Chess Grandmaster Viswanathan Anand on Sunday extended his heartfelt congratulations to Team India for their extraordinary achievement of securing two gold medals in both the men’s and women’s events at the Chess Olympiad.

India’s impressive performance at the International Chess Federation (FIDE) Chess Olympiad, held in Budapest, culminated in a historic double victory, with both the men’s and women’s teams clinching gold medals on Sunday.

Taking to his official X handle, Viswanathan Anand lauded the women’s team for their remarkable performance. He specifically praised Vantika Agrawal and Divya Deshmukh for their stellar performances in the final round. “Congrats to India’s Women’s team. Great result by the whole team and captain @chessgmkunte. A special mention to @DivyaDeshmukh05 and @vantikachess for their performance,” Anand wrote on X.

In his commendation of the men’s team, Anand expressed admiration for their win in the final round. “Congrats to Team India for winning the last round as well! Sensational @DGukesh and @ArjunErigaisi, but also congrats to @viditchess on an impressive result. Great captaincy by @srinathchess,” he added.

Union Minister of Steel and Heavy Industries, H.D. Kumaraswamy, also praised Team India for their double gold triumph at the Chess Olympiad. “A truly historic day for India! Double GOLD at the Chess Olympiad as India conquers both the Open & Women’s sections! Open Team: Gukesh D, Praggnanandhaa R, Arjun Erigaisi, Vidit Gujrathi, Pentala Harikrishna & Srinath Narayanan Women’s Team: Harika Dronavalli, Vaishali R, Divya Deshmukh, Vantika Agrawal, Tania Sachdev & Abhijit Kunte. Your brilliance, grit, and teamwork have etched India’s name in chess history. A remarkable feat that symbolizes the rise of Indian chess on the global stage, inspiring millions and igniting hope for the future,” Kumaraswamy wrote on X.

In the final round of the tournament, India’s men’s team, consisting of D Gukesh, R Praggnanandhaa, Arjun Erigaisi, Vidit Gujrathi, and Pentala Harikrishna, outshone Slovenia to claim the gold medal. Wins from D Gukesh and Arjun Erigaisi secured a 2-0 lead for India, ensuring the gold medal. Praggnanandhaa won his game while Vidit drew his match, leading India to a decisive 3.5-0.5 victory over Slovenia.

Meanwhile, the Indian women’s chess team, comprising Harika Dronavalli, R Vaishali, Divya Deshmukh, Vantika Agrawal, and Tania Sachdev, also clinched gold after defeating Azerbaijan 3.5-0.5. Harika Dronavalli, Divya Deshmukh, and Vantika Agrawal won their respective matches in the final round, while R Vaishali drew her match against Ulviyya Fataliyeva.

This exceptional performance by both teams underscores India’s growing prowess in the global chess arena and serves as an inspiration for future generations of Indian chess players.