India’s Top Chess GMs Train Online Ahead of Samarkand Olympiad
· Sports · Indian Express, Sportstar
India’s men’s chess Olympiad team, led by captain Srinath Narayanan, conducted a five-day online training camp to prepare for the upcoming 46th Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. The camp was organised due to the intense schedules of top Grandmasters like D Gukesh, R Praggnanandhaa, Arjun Erigaisi, Vidit Gujrathi, and Nihal Sarin, who are all competing in major tournaments. The team, seeded second, faces stiff competition from Uzbekistan’s Javokhir Sindarov and Nodirbek Abdusattorov, who have previously challenged Gukesh. While Praggnanandhaa remains India’s standout player with recent Grand Chess Tour and Norway Chess titles, others like Gukesh and Sarin have yet to clinch a major title, raising questions about the team’s consistency. The Olympiad begins on Wednesday in Samarkand, marking a critical moment for Indian chess as it seeks to retain its gold medal.
Why it matters
The outcome of the Chess Olympiad will determine India’s standing in global chess, with implications for the country’s reputation in competitive sports and potential sponsorship opportunities. For players like Gukesh and Sarin, the event is a chance to prove their mettle against top international competition, which could influence their rankings and future tournament participation.
Read the original report — Indian Express
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