Watch: India create history at 45th Chess Olympiad and celebrate in Rohit Sharma style

Mon, 23 Sep 2024 06:56:40 GMT

India made a historic mark at the 45th Chess Olympiad held in Budapest, Hungary, as both the men's and women's teams secured their first-ever gold medals. The triumph sparked nationwide celebrations, drawing comparisons to India's major cricket victories. Fans noted a fun moment during the victory celebration, reminiscent of cricketer Rohit Sharma’s famous "robotic walk" from the T20 World Cup earlier this year.

The men's team emerged victorious after defeating Slovenia in the final round. Key players like D Gukesh, Arjun Erigaisi, and R Praggnanandhaa were instrumental in their success, especially during a standout performance in the 11th round. The women's team also delivered a stunning victory by defeating Azerbaijan with a commanding 3.5-0.5 score.

Celebrations mirror Rohit Sharma's iconic moment

Following their historic wins, both teams gathered on the podium, proudly displaying the Indian flag. In a joyful and lighthearted moment, chess stars D Gukesh and Tania Sachdev recreated Rohit Sharma's robotic walk. The two athletes carried their trophies from opposite ends of the podium, mimicking the famous move, much to the delight of their teammates and fans. Their playful celebration added to the overall excitement and pride of India's double victory.

INDIA BECAME OLYMPIAD CHAMPIONS FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER. 🇮🇳

- They did "Rohit Sharma walk" while receving the Trophy.pic.twitter.com/rItbI45M8z
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) September 23, 2024

A landmark achievement in Indian Chess

This double gold at the Chess Olympiad represents a significant milestone for Indian chess. The men’s team showcased outstanding skill and resilience throughout the tournament, while the women's team dominated their opponents with remarkable precision. Both victories have elevated India’s status in the global chess community, signaling a new era for the sport in the country.