India’s outstanding success at the Chess Olympiad 2024 is hailed as one of the country’s significant sporting achievements, with both the men’s and women’s teams securing the top positions in their respective categories, achieving a remarkable double win. Among the numerous celebratory videos that have circulated online, one particular clip has gone viral, showcasing members of the Pakistan chess team holding India’s flag next to the Indian team—a gesture that has been warmly received on social media from both sides of the border.
Rivalries between India and Pakistan usually generate considerable interest, whether in cricket, hockey, or tennis. Despite the often strained relations between the two nations, sports frequently act as a unifying force for fans. This stands in contrast to a previous incident where Pakistan’s hockey players displayed China’s flag during the Asian Champions Trophy final against India, which resulted in negative backlash; the chess incident has, however, been embraced positively.
Pakistani Chess Team with the Champions of Chess Olympiad 2024 – Team India!#chess #chessbaseindia #ChessOlympiad2024 #india pic.twitter.com/LHEveDvEOt
— ChessBase India (@ChessbaseIndia) September 26, 2024
On Thursday, the triumphant Indian teams met with Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya to commemorate their achievements in Budapest. D Gukesh, Arjun Erigaisi, and R Praggnanandhaa played crucial roles in securing decisive victories in the men’s final against Slovenia, while the women’s team defeated Azerbaijan to claim the nation’s second gold medal in the event.
Mandaviya highlighted India’s rich heritage in chess, stating: “By winning on the global stage, you have not only made the entire nation proud but have also honoured the legacy of our traditional heritage.” He further emphasized that India’s strength lies in both its manpower and brainpower.
“The Government of India is committed to creating an ecosystem that encourages and nurtures talent across all sports disciplines. We want our athletes to feel motivated to showcase their talent on the world stage and bring laurels to the nation,” he stated in a release. Mandaviya reiterated the government’s commitment to developing sports talent, aiming to position India among the top five sporting nations by 2024.
“As India marches towards becoming a developed nation, our sporting achievements will be a crucial aspect of our global identity,” he concluded.