Archive · 24 Jul 2026
India Announces Strong Squad for FIDE Chess Olympiad
India has announced its teams for the upcoming FIDE Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
The men's team includes world champion D Gukesh, R Praggnanandhaa, who recently won the Norway Chess tournament, and other top players like Arjun Erigaisi and Vidit Gujrathi.
The women's team features R Vaishali, who won the FIDE Women's Candidates tournament, along with Koneru Humpy and Divya Deshmukh.
Both teams are defending champions from 2024 and aim to retain their titles.
While Praggnanandhaa and Vaishali are in good form, Gukesh has struggled recently, finishing last in the Chennai Grand Masters.
India announces strong squad for FIDE Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
Men's team includes D Gukesh, R Praggnanandhaa, Arjun Erigaisi, Nihal Sarin, and Vidit Gujrathi.
Women's team features R Vaishali, Koneru Humpy, Divya Deshmukh, Vantika Agrawal, and Savitha Shri B.
Both teams are defending champions from the 2024 Chess Olympiad.
Praggnanandhaa and Vaishali are in top form, while Gukesh has struggled recently.
- Who
- India's chess teams (men's and women's)
- What
- Announcement of squad for FIDE Chess Olympiad
- When
- September 16-27
- Where
- Samarkand, Uzbekistan
- Why
- To defend their titles from the 2024 Chess Olympiad
Optimistic View
Cautious View
Team Performance
Optimistic View
The team is strong with recent successes like Praggnanandhaa's Norway Chess win and Vaishali's Candidates victory.
Cautious View
Gukesh's recent struggles and finishing last in the Chennai Grand Masters raise concerns.
- Event
- FIDE Chess Olympiad
- Location
- Samarkand, Uzbekistan
- Dates
- September 16-27
- Defending Champions
- India (Men's and Women's teams)
- Key Players
- D Gukesh, R Praggnanandhaa, R Vaishali