India begin their campaign to defend both the Open and Women’s team titles at the 46th Chess Olympiad, which brings together a record number of teams in one of the biggest editions of the prestigious team event.
A total of 208 teams will compete in the Open section, while 192 teams will take part in the Women’s event. The combined figure of 400 teams surpasses the previous record of 380 teams set at the 2024 Chess Olympiad in Budapest.
India enter the competition with high expectations after winning both the Open and Women’s titles in Budapest in 2024. The country will look to retain its position at the top of world team chess with strong line-ups in both sections.
India vs Thailand in Open Section
India will begin its Open section campaign against Thailand in Round 1.
The Indian team features a formidable combination of established experience and young world-class talent.
India’s Open Team
| Board | Player | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Board 1 | GM Praggnanandhaa R | 2761 |
| Board 2 | GM Erigaisi Arjun | 2759 |
| Board 3 | GM Nihal Sarin | 2718 |
| Board 4 | GM Gukesh D | 2703 |
| Board 5 | GM Vidit Santosh Gujrathi | 2697 |
Captain: Srinath Narayanan
The Open team is led by Praggnanandhaa R, with Erigaisi Arjun, Nihal Sarin, Gukesh D and Vidit Santosh Gujrathi completing the five-player line-up.
With all five players rated above 2690, India possess considerable strength across the boards as they begin their title defence.
Women’s Team Begins Against Dominican Republic
In the Women’s section, India will face the Dominican Republic in Round 1.
The defending champions have assembled a strong line-up featuring experienced players alongside some of the country’s leading young talents.
India’s Women’s Team
| Board | Player | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Board 1 | GM Koneru Humpy | 2509 |
| Board 2 | GM Vaishali Rameshbabu | 2469 |
| Board 3 | GM Divya Deshmukh | 2490 |
| Board 4 | IM Vantika Agrawal | 2395 |
| Board 5 | IM Savitha Shri B | 2382 |
Captain: Mishra Swayams
Koneru Humpy will spearhead the women’s line-up, with Vaishali Rameshbabu, Divya Deshmukh, Vantika Agrawal and Savitha Shri B completing the squad.
Defending Two Titles
The 46th Chess Olympiad carries additional significance for India as the country enters the competition as the defending champion in both the Open and Women’s sections.
India produced a historic double at the 2024 Olympiad in Budapest, with both teams claiming gold. The challenge now is to replicate that success in an even larger field.
With a record 400 teams across the two sections, the 46th Chess Olympiad promises to be a major test of depth, consistency and team strength.
For India, the journey begins with two Round 1 encounters — Thailand in the Open section and Dominican Republic in the Women’s event — as the defending champions begin their pursuit of another double.