Chess Olympiad 2026: India Aims to Replicate Budapest Glory in Samarkand

It feels like just yesterday we were watching the Indian flag rise in Budapest, the whole nation buzzing after the double‑gold triumph at the Chess Olympiad. Fast‑forward two years and the excitement is palpable again – this time in the ancient city of Samarkand, where the 46th edition of the world’s biggest team chess showdown kicks off on Wednesday.

Two hundred and eight teams will battle it out in the open section, while 191 women’s teams will vie for glory. The numbers sound huge, but for India the real story is about who steps onto the board. The open squad, seeded second, still carries the weight of expectations even after a few lineup tweaks.

One name that’s generating endless debate is D. Gukesh. The prodigy who lifted an individual gold on board one in the last two Olympiads has stumbled a bit lately, and whispers of a dip in form have crept into the camp. Still, the boy who became the youngest World Champion can’t be written off – his past performances remind everyone that a slump is often just a prelude to a comeback.

On a brighter note, R. Praggnanandhaa arrives in Samarkand looking like a machine that never stops winning. His recent streak reads like a highlight reel, and the team will be counting on his consistency. Rounding out the men’s side are the ever‑reliable Arjun Erigaisi, the calm and calculating Nihal Sarin, and the seasoned Vidit Gujrathi – a blend of youth, experience, and tactical firepower.

Across the board, the women’s squad enters the tournament as the top seed, and that confidence isn’t misplaced. The long‑awaited return of Koneru Humpy adds a touch of class and a wealth of experience that the younger members will surely soak up. Humpy, who missed the Budapest event, says she’s thrilled to be back and eager to help the team defend its crown.

Supporting her are the rising stars Divya Deshmukh and R. Vaishali, both of whom have been inching up the rating ladders and looking to make a statement on the world stage. Veteran Vantika Agrawal is expected to provide solidity, while 19‑year‑old B. Savitha Shri will make her Olympiad debut – a moment that will be remembered no matter the result.

The road ahead won’t be smooth. Traditional powerhouses like Georgia, Kazakhstan, and China are expected to challenge the women’s gold, while the United States, the tournament’s top seed, will be watching the Indian men closely. Uzbekistan, the host nation, also fields a strong team anchored by junior star Javokhir Sindarov, who just happens to be Gukesh’s opponent in the upcoming World Championship match – a subplot that adds extra spice.

All 11 rounds will be played using the Swiss system, meaning every match counts and a single slip could alter the medal picture dramatically. The final round is scheduled for September 27, giving teams just over a week to prove whether they can repeat the Budapest magic.

For Indian fans, the feeling is simple: hope, nerves, and a dash of déjà vu. If history teaches us anything, it’s that a nation that celebrated chess heroes a couple of years ago is ready to cheer them on again, this time under the Samarkand sky.