45th Chess Olympiad: What happened when Chess Olympiad was last held in India

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The 44th Chess Olympiad was a monumental event in the history of Indian sports, marking the first time this prestigious team chess tournament was hosted in India. Organized by the International Chess Federation (FIDE), the Olympiad took place in Chennai from 28 July to 10 August 2022.

Initially planned for Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia, in August 2020, the event was moved to Moscow but postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the Olympiad was relocated to Chennai.

This event was not just about chess; it was about bringing the world together under one roof, in a country with a rich chess legacy. With participation from a record number of nations, it was a global celebration of the sport.

Record Participation in Chennai

The 44th Chess Olympiad saw extraordinary participation, setting new benchmarks. A total of 1,737 players competed, including 937 in the Open section and 800 in the Women's section.

The number of registered teams broke previous records, with 188 teams from 186 nations in the Open section and 162 teams from 160 nations in the Women's section. As the host nation, India fielded three teams in each section.

The primary venue for the matches was the convention centre at the Four Points by Sheraton in Mahabalipuram, known for its serene seaside atmosphere. The grand opening and closing ceremonies took place at Chennai's Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.

The event was officially opened by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and the ceremonial torch relay was initiated by India's legendary chess Grandmaster, Viswanathan Anand. Adding a special touch, young Indian chess stars Gukesh D and R Praggnanandhaa lit the cauldron, setting the stage for what would be an unforgettable competition.

Outstanding Performances and Results

The Chess Olympiad in Chennai delivered thrilling moments. Uzbekistan emerged as the surprise gold medal winners in the Open section, claiming their second Chess Olympiad medal after securing silver in 1992. Ukraine triumphed in the Women's event, winning their second gold medal following their 2006 victory.

On an individual level, England's David Howell was the standout performer in the Open event, registering a performance rating of 2898 and scoring 7.5 out of a possible 8 points. Meanwhile, Poland's Oliwia Kiołbasa shone in the Women's event, scoring an impressive 9.5 out of 11 points with a performance rating of 2565.

India Shines at Home

India's performance was particularly memorable, with both the Open and Women's teams earning bronze medals, marking a proud moment for the host nation. India-2, one of the host nation's three Open section teams, stood out with their bronze medal finish.

Indian players like Gukesh D and Nihal Sarin were instrumental in these achievements, as they topped the leaderboards on Board 1 and Board 2, respectively. In the Women's event, India also earned a bronze medal, showcasing the depth of talent in Indian chess.

This performance cemented India's growing prominence on the global chess stage and demonstrated the country's potential as a future chess powerhouse.

Looking Forward: The 45th Chess Olympiad

As the 44th Chess Olympiad in Chennai concluded, the 45th Chess Olympiad will take place in Budapest, Hungary, from September 10 to 23, 2024. For the first time since 1926, the Olympiad returns to Hungary, promising yet another exciting chapter in chess history.