Chess Olympiad: Savitha Shri salvages India, keeps team in medal hunt
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India's men's and women's chess teams secured vital results in Round 10 of the 2026 Chess Olympiad in Samarkand. R Praggnanandhaa, Nihal Sarin, and D Gukesh led a dominant sweep for the open side, while Savitha Shri's dramatic victory kept the women's medal hopes alive.
India’s Dominant Campaign at the 2026 Chess Olympiad
The 2026 FIDE Chess Olympiad in Samarkand has reached a fever pitch, with India’s squads asserting their status as global chess powerhouses. In a clinical display of depth and tactical prowess, the men’s team secured a commanding 3.5–0.5 victory over Uzbekistan 2. This result is particularly significant as it keeps India in firm contention for the gold, trailing the senior Uzbekistan team by only a single point heading into the final round.
The Men's Open Section: A Masterclass in Depth
The victory was anchored by the stellar performances of R Praggnanandhaa, Nihal Sarin, and D Gukesh. Nihal Sarin set the tone early by dispatching Mukhammadzokhid Suyarov, while Gukesh—the reigning world champion—continued his record-breaking form. With his win over Ortik Nigmatov, Gukesh pushed his tournament score to a remarkable 8.5/10. Praggnanandhaa’s methodical breakdown of Jakhongir Vakhidov underscored the team's ability to maintain pressure in protracted battles, ensuring their grip on second place remains secure as they prepare for a high-stakes encounter with Hungary.
Women’s Team: Resilience Under Pressure
While the open section enjoyed a smooth path, the Indian women’s team faced a harrowing penultimate round against tournament leaders China. With Koneru Humpy and Divya Deshmukh settling for draws against Zhu Jiner and Song Yuxin, the onus shifted to the lower boards. The narrative of the day was defined by the grit of Savitha Shri B, who found herself in a precarious position after blundering a pawn.
The Turning Point: Savitha’s Intuitive Genius
Savitha Shri’s journey from a near-draw to a decisive victory highlights the psychological volatility of elite chess. Faced with a +3.6 evaluation disadvantage and intense pressure, she initially considered a draw to preserve the team’s standing. However, her decision to reject safety and embrace the complexity of the board proved transformative. By refusing to settle, she navigated a chaotic endgame against Mo Zhai, ultimately securing a win that keeps India’s podium dreams alive.
Strategic Implications and Future Outlook
These results demonstrate the maturation of Indian chess, characterized by a transition from individual brilliance to a collective, team-based strategy. The ability of the open side to rely on a deep bench and the women's team to fight back from disadvantageous positions proves that India is no longer just a contender but a tactical juggernaut. As the Olympiad enters its final round, the focus shifts to maintaining composure in the face of mounting pressure.
Conclusion: A Historic Final Round Awaits
As the Samarkand event nears its conclusion, the Indian squads have positioned themselves perfectly for a potential historic haul. The men’s team faces a final test against Hungary, while the women’s team remains in the hunt for a medal thanks to their late-round heroics. The clinical nature of these Round 10 performances suggests that the current generation of Indian players possesses the technical and mental fortitude required to dominate the international stage.
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