India's strong start in Samarkand

The 46th FIDE Chess Olympiad has brought the world's leading national teams together in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. With the competition moving into its fourth round, early results are beginning to reveal the teams setting the pace, while several unexpected results have demonstrated the depth of international chess.

Vaishali RameshbabuIndia

Nodirbek AbdusattorovUzbekistan

Ding LirenChina

India's double success

India entered the third round with major expectations after winning gold in both the Open and Women's sections at the 2024 Olympiad. The team continued its early campaign with victories in both sections.

In the Open section, Gukesh and Nihal Sarin were reported to have won their games against Italy. In the Women's section, Koneru Humpy, Vantika Agrawal, and Savitha Shri were among India's successful players.

Unexpected results add tension to the early rounds

The Olympiad's team format creates opportunities for surprises. A highly rated team can be challenged across four boards, and a single unexpected result can change the balance of an entire match.

Gukesh and India's next tests

World champion Gukesh remains one of the most closely watched players in the tournament. His victory in Round 3 helped India complete its 3–1 win over Italy, while reports also noted that he moved back above the 2700 rating mark.

India's Open squad includes several of the country's leading grandmasters, including R. Praggnanandhaa, Arjun Erigaisi, and Nihal Sarin. The Women's team is likewise carrying the pressure and opportunity of defending its Olympiad title.

Round 4: the next tests

Open section: India vs. Spain

Women's section: India vs. Mongolia

The fourth round is the next opportunity for both Indian teams to extend their unbeaten starts. With many rounds still remaining, the standings can shift quickly as the strongest teams begin meeting one another.

Why the Olympiad matters

Unlike an individual tournament, the Olympiad rewards collective performance. Every board contributes to the match score, making preparation, team balance, resilience, and the ability to recover from difficult positions essential.

The early rounds offer clues, but they do not settle the title race. The tournament's later stages will determine which teams can sustain their form against the strongest opposition.