India on Sunday (September 22) scripted history in Budapest, Hungary by winning the gold medal for the first time in the open section at the Chess Olympiad 2024.

The medal was confirmed after D Gukesh and Arjun Erigaisi won their respective matches against Slovenia in the 11th round match.

Grandmaster and World Championship challenger Gukesh beat Vladimir Fedoseev, while Erigaisi prevailed over Jan Subelj.

Even if the Indians lose in the remaining two games, they will win the gold as they needed just a draw in the 11th round to win the title at the 45th Chess Olympiad.

Earlier, in Round 10, India beat the USA 2.5-1.5. D Gukesh triumphed over Fabiano Caruana and Arjun got the better of Lenier Dominguez.

After the win, speaking about the game on the FIDE broadcast, Gukesh said: “It was crazy. He surprised me in the opening with his move order, and we reached an initially equal position. His problems started from Ne7… Arjun (Erigaisi) was completely winning, so I thought even a draw would be fine, but I kept finding all the good moves.”

Talking about his performance at the Olympiad, Gukesh said: “I am glad, but the main thing was to perform as a team.”

India’s previous best performances at the Chess Olympiad came in 2014 and 2022 when it won bronze on both occasions.