India dominates chess Olympiad in Budapest with perfect record

India has showcased remarkable performance at the chess Olympiad in Budapest, winning all eight of their matches without a single loss. This achievement places them at the top of the leaderboard with 16 points, ahead of Uzbekistan and Hungary, who have 14 points each. The Indian team, led by the talented 18-year-old Gukesh Dommaraju, has demonstrated exceptional skill and teamwork, reminiscent of the legendary Soviet teams of the past. Gukesh has been particularly impressive, scoring 6.5 out of 7 games. The competition has seen other strong teams like the United States and England trailing behind, with the US team currently in fifth place. Despite being the top-seeded team, they have not performed at full strength. England, on the other hand, is ranked 17th, having accumulated 12 points. The absence of the Russian team due to a ban has also impacted the dynamics of the tournament. Individual performances have been noteworthy, with Gukesh leading the race for the top board gold medal against other elite players, including world champion Magnus Carlsen. Additionally, Sawan has emerged as a standout player, winning all her games and playing at a significantly higher level than her official rating suggests. As the tournament progresses, the Indian team remains a formidable force, and their continued success could solidify their position as the leading nation in world chess. The final rounds will be crucial, especially with potential matchups against other strong teams like the US, which could influence medal standings.