Archive · 24 Jul 2026
India Announces Team for 2026 Chess Olympiad
India has announced its team for the 2026 Chess Olympiad, which will take place in Samarkand, Uzbekistan from September 15 to September 27.
The team includes top players like Gukesh, Praggnanandhaa, and Arjun Erigaisi in the Open section, and Humpy Koneru, Vaishali Rameshbabu, and Divya Deshmukh in the Women's section.
Gukesh, the current world champion, has been struggling with his form, losing 75 rating points in the past 19 months.
In contrast, Praggnanandhaa is in good form, having recently won the Norway Chess tournament.
The Indian team aims to defend their titles won in the 2024 Chess Olympiad in Budapest.
India announces its team for the 2026 Chess Olympiad, headlined by Gukesh, Praggnanandhaa, and Arjun Erigaisi in the Open section.
The Women's team includes Humpy Koneru, Vaishali Rameshbabu, and Divya Deshmukh.
Gukesh, the world champion, has lost 75 rating points in 19 months and finished last in the Chennai Grand Masters.
Praggnanandhaa won the Norway Chess tournament in June, defeating top players like Magnus Carlsen.
The Chess Olympiad will be held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan from September 15 to September 27, 2026.
- Who
- Indian chess team including Gukesh, Praggnanandhaa, Arjun Erigaisi, Humpy Koneru, and others
- What
- Announcement of the Indian team for the 2026 Chess Olympiad
- When
- The Chess Olympiad will be held from September 15 to September 27, 2026
- Where
- Samarkand, Uzbekistan
- Why
- To compete in the 2026 Chess Olympiad
Gukesh's Performance Concerns
Praggnanandhaa's Strong Form
Current Form
Gukesh's Performance Concerns
Gukesh has lost 75 rating points in 19 months and finished last in the Chennai Grand Masters with 2 points.
Praggnanandhaa's Strong Form
Praggnanandhaa won the Norway Chess tournament in June, defeating top players like Alireza Firouzja and Magnus Carlsen.
- Event
- 2026 Chess Olympiad
- Dates
- September 15-27, 2026
- Location
- Samarkand, Uzbekistan
- Indian Open Team
- Gukesh D, Arjun Erigaisi, Praggnanandhaa R, Nihal Sarin, Vidit Gujrathi
- Indian Women's Team
- Humpy Koneru, Vaishali Rameshbabu, Divya Deshmukh, Vantika Agrawal, Savitha Shri B
- Open Team Captain
- Srinath Narayanan
- Women's Team Captain
- Swayams Mishra