Grandmaster Vidit Gujrathi, who recently led India to its first-ever title victory at the Chess Olympiad, has chosen not to defend his title at the 10th Vugar Gashimov Memorial Chess Super Tournament in Azerbaijan in order to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday in New Delhi. Gujrathi defeated fellow countryman Arjun Erigaisi to win the Azerbaijan tournament the previous year.
Along with D Gukesh, R Praggnanandhaa, and Arjun, he was a member of the Indian men’s team that captured the gold in the Open category at the Chess Olympiad, a remarkable feat.
Gujrathi said on “X,” the former Twitter account, that he had traveled to Baku for the event but, upon learning about the felicitation function, had chosen to return to India to meet with Modi.
“After arriving in Baku, I learned that our Honorable Prime Minister wishes to congratulate the Indian team. Hearing this made me ecstatic, and I wanted to take part in it. Gujrathi posted on ‘X’, “It’s remarkable how quickly he is making time for us.
Aravindh Chithambaram has taken Gujrathi’s (29), seat for the September 25–30 event.
“When I spoke with the organizer, Sarkhan Gashimov, he acknowledged my feelings. Many thanks to him! I’m wishing Aravindh the best of luck as he competes in this renowned event against elite players,” Gujrathi remarked.
A member of India’s winning men’s team in the Chess Olympiad 2024, Vidit Gujrathi said that his country’s golden age of chess had only just begun.
India had a stunning showing in the FIDE Chess Olympiad in Budapest on Sunday, winning gold in the women’s and men’s divisions.
For Indian chess, we might refer to this period as a golden one because gold has been won. Though I believe everyone has improved over the previous year, the same team participated at the Asian Games. Speaking to ANI, Vidit stated, “We were winning by substantial margins, and it was a dominant performance.
The chess player also talked about the time he didn’t shake hands with Levon Aronian, his opponent.
“I meditate before every game as part of a practice that helps me stay focused and play better. I didn’t get to shake hands with him since I was preoccupied with it. When I opened my eyes, I then shook hands with him,” the 29-year-old explained.
