Defending champions India battled to a 2‑2 draw against Azerbaijan in the eighth round of the FIDE Chess Olympiad 2026, keeping their medal hopes alive in both the Open and Women’s sections.
In the Open category, India’s top four — R Praggnanandhaa, Arjun Erigaisi, D Gukesh, and Vidit Santosh Gujrathi — were all held to draws by their Azerbaijani opponents. Gukesh split points with Muradli Mahammad after 56 moves, Praggnanandhaa drew with veteran Shakhriyar Mamedyarov, Arjun held Aydin Suleymanli, and Vidit shared the spoils with Rauf Mamedov.
The result left India in joint second place with 13 match points, trailing leaders Uzbekistan and Germany on 14 points. Germany edged hosts Uzbekistan 2.5‑1.5 to seize the top spot.
In the Women’s section, India also drew 2‑2 with Kazakhstan, staying in joint second. Rising star B Savitha Shri continued her sensational run, scoring her seventh consecutive victory by defeating Elnaz Kaliakhmet. Koneru Humpy and Divya Deshmukh drew their games, while Vaishali Rameshbabu suffered a setback against Nurman Alua.
With crucial rounds ahead, India remain firmly in contention, relying on consistency and depth across both squads to push for podium finishes in Samarkand.
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