Indian Chess Powerhouses Storm Olympiad Opening, Praggnanandhaa and Vaishali Lead the Charge

The 45th Chess Olympiad in Budapest kicked off with a bang for India, as both the men's and women's teams showcased their dominance in the opening round. With the young prodigy Gukesh opting for a well-deserved rest, it was the 18-year-old sensation Praggnanandhaa who stepped up to the top board for the men's team.

Facing a seasoned veteran in Morocco's Mohamed Tissir, more than twice his age, Praggnanandhaa displayed remarkable poise and strategic brilliance. The Indian Grandmaster launched a relentless attack from the 18th move, leaving Tissir scrambling to defend his king. Under immense pressure and with time ticking away, Tissir ultimately succumbed to Praggnanandhaa's onslaught, losing on time in a thrilling finish.

Inspired by Praggnanandhaa's victory, the rest of the Indian men's team followed suit, securing comprehensive wins on all boards. Arjun Erigaisi, Vidit Gujrathi, and Harikrishna Pentala delivered clinical performances, ensuring a clean sweep for India against Morocco.

Meanwhile, the Indian women's team, led by Vaishali on the top board in the absence of Harika Dronavalli, showcased their own prowess. Vaishali, along with Tania Sachdev and Divya Deshmukh, secured crucial victories, while Vantika Agarwal held her opponent to a draw.

The impressive start by both Indian teams has sent a clear message to the rest of the field - India is here to win. With the likes of Praggnanandhaa and Vaishali leading the charge, India's hopes for a historic gold medal at the Chess Olympiad are soaring high.

The tournament is still in its early stages, but India's performance in the first round has undoubtedly set the stage for an exciting and closely contested battle for the championship. As the chess world watches with bated breath, the Indian team is determined to prove their mettle and etch their names in the annals of chess history.