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The Economic Times
The Economic Times

The repeat challenge: India’s historic bid to defend its crown at 2026 Chess Olympiad in Samarkand

India Samarkand D Gukesh Vidit Gujrathi Open Arjun Erigaisi Carlsen Divya Deshmukh Javokhir Sindarov Nihal Sarin

For the first time in seven decades, India is spared the burden of trying to improve upon its best-ever performance at a Chess Olympiad. Since making its debut in 1956 in what is widely considered the ultimate team competition in cerebral sport, India’s goal at the 2026 edition in Samarkand, Uzbekistan (starting September 15) is simple: match the absolute best.

Following its historic double-gold sweep in Budapest in 2024, India firmly cemented its status as a global chess superpower. Since that monumental triumph, Indian chess has scaled even greater heights. D Gukesh reigns as the world champion, Divya Deshmukh is a World Cup winner, and the nation stands just one short of boasting 100 Grandmasters.

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