September 17, 2024: Thanks to the outstanding performances by world championship challengers D. Gukesh and Arjun Erigaisi, the Indian men’s team defeated Azerbaijan 3-1 in the fifth round of the 45th Chess Olympiad. Gukesh won against A. Suleimani, while Arjun defeated Rauf Mamedov. Praggnanandhaa drew his game, and the game between Vidit Gujrathi and Shakhriyar Mamedyarov also ended in a draw. With this win, the Indian men’s team, with a total of 10 points, is tied at the top with Vietnam, which defeated Poland 2.5-1.5. China won against Spain, and Hungary beat Ukraine. Norway and Iran are in fifth place with nine points each. Norway defeated Turkey 3-1, while Iran won against Canada 3.5-0.5. There are still six rounds remaining in the tournament.
In the women’s section, Grandmaster D. Harika faced a defeat against Bibisara Assaubayeva. Vantika Agarwal won against Alua Nurman, while Divya Deshmukh drew her game with Zenia Balabayeva. R. Vaishali won against M. Kamlyidenova. The women’s team is tied for first place with Armenia and Mongolia, each with ten points.