India carry the weight of defending both Chess Olympiad titles with world champion D Gukesh and an in-form R Praggnanandhaa spearheading a men’s team that starts among the favourites, while the women’s side too will look to retain its crown.
Gukesh, however, arrives at the Olympiad at a very different point in his career from the last edition. The 20-year-old has endured a significant dip in form over the past year and will be keen to use the tournament to regain his rhythm before his World Championship match in November in Switzerland.
Praggnanandhaa, meanwhile, has been one of the standout performers of the year. His remarkable run, which saw him become the first Indian to win the Grand Chess Tour, makes him one of India’s biggest strengths as they chase another Olympiad gold.
The two will be backed by Arjun Erigaisi, who played a key role in India’s triumph in Budapest in 2024. Vidit Gujrathi brings experience and reliability to the line-up, while Nihal Sarin adds further depth t
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