File Pic: R Vaishali, R Praggnanandhaa and D Gukesh after India won both titles at the Chess Olympiad 2024. (PTI Photo)

NEW DELHI: Defending champions India have named formidable men’s and women’s squads for the FIDE Chess Olympiad, with world champion D Gukesh, in-form R Praggnanandhaa and Women’s Candidates winner R Vaishali leading the country’s bid to retain both team titles in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, from September 16 to 27.India scripted history at the 2024 Chess Olympiad by clinching both the Open and Women’s team gold medals for the first time, and the announced squads reflect the country’s determination to successfully defend the twin crowns.The men’s team will feature D Gukesh, Arjun Erigaisi, R Praggnanandhaa, Nihal Sarin and Vidit Gujrathi, with seasoned coach Srinath Narayanan serving as captain. Sarin is the only new face in the side that captured the Open title in 2024.The women’s team comprises Koneru Humpy, R Vaishali, Divya Deshmukh, Vantika Agrawal and Savitha Shri B, under the captaincy of Swayams Mishra. Humpy and Savitha replace two members of last year’s gold medal-winning squad, strengthening an already formidable lineup.

Praggnanandhaa’s form, Vaishali’s rise boost India’s hopes

India’s squad combines proven champions with players enjoying exceptional recent form.Praggnanandhaa heads into the Olympiad brimming with confidence after winning the prestigious Norway Chess tournament in June. The 20-year-old produced one of the finest performances of his career, defeating world No. 1 Magnus Carlsen and world champion Gukesh en route to the title.Gukesh, meanwhile, will be eager to rediscover his best form after a disappointing outing at the recently concluded Chennai Grand Masters, where he finished at the bottom of the standings with just two points after losing three of his seven games.On the women’s side, Vaishali has emerged as one of India’s brightest stars. Earlier this year, she became the first Indian woman to win the FIDE Women’s Candidates Tournament, earning the right to challenge China’s Ju Wenjun for the Women’s World Championship.Former world rapid champion Humpy brings immense experience to the team after missing India’s triumphant 2024 Olympiad campaign, while reigning Women’s World Cup winner Divya Deshmukh and Vantika Agrawal add further depth.

India squads for Chess Olympiad 2026

Viswanathan Anand takes over as FIDE interim president

In another significant development for Indian chess, five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand has assumed the role of interim FIDE president after incumbent Arkady Dvorkovich temporarily stepped aside.Dvorkovich, who was recently included in the European Union’s sanctions list related to the Russia-Ukraine war, announced that he would suspend the exercise of his powers while he challenges the decision.As per the FIDE Charter, Anand, who has served as the governing body’s Deputy President since 2022, automatically takes charge as interim president until Dvorkovich’s status changes.The appointment marks another landmark moment for Indian chess, with one of the country’s greatest players now leading the sport’s global governing body even as India prepares to defend both its Olympiad team titles next month.