After a much‑needed rest day, both Indian teams bounced back strongly at the Chess Olympiad 2026, securing crucial victories in the seventh round.
The Indian men’s team, defending champions, recovered from their first loss of the tournament against hosts Uzbekistan by defeating England 2.5‑1.5. Rising stars R Praggnanandhaa and D Gukesh delivered decisive wins over Nikita Vitiugov and Daniel Howard Fernandez, respectively. Their victories offset Nihal Sarin’s second consecutive defeat, this time to Luke McShane, while Arjun Erigaisi held Michael Adams to a draw.
Meanwhile, the Indian women’s team produced a commanding performance, outclassing Germany to keep their medal hopes alive. The victory showcased the depth and resilience of the squad, with top boards delivering under pressure.
The results mark a strong comeback for India after a setback in the previous round, reaffirming their status as serious contenders in both sections. With several rounds still to go, the Indian teams remain firmly in the hunt for podium finishes.
