Indian Chess Champs Recreate Rohit Sharma’s WC Strut After Winning Gold at the FIDE Chess Olympiad

In a historic moment for India, the team comprised of Indian grandmasters D Gukesh, R Praggnandhaa, Vidit Gujrathi, Arjun Erigaisi, and others won the gold medal at the 45th FIDE Chess Olympiad. At the international chess tournament in Budapest, the Indian team made history. Not only did the men win the gold medal, but the women did as well, marking another historic moment for Indian chess. Indian Grandmasters took a moment to re-create an iconic moment which was made famous by the Indian Cricket Team skipper Rohit Sharma .  

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Indian Chess Grandmasters Recreate Rohit Sharma ’s T20 World Cup Celebration at FIDE Chess Olympiad

After receiving the medals and the prize, the Indian Grandmasters held the Tricolor flag at the podium, while Tania Sachdev and D Gukesh made their entry into the frame while imitating Rohit Sharma 's iconic strut after Team India's T20 World Cup win. The walk was initially made famous by Lionel Messi after Argentina won the 2022 FIFA World Cup Final, But Rohit added some Ric Flair blend into his strut, which was an instant hit among the fans.

Also Read: Viswanathan Anand leads sporting fraternity in hailing India for clinching Gold in Chess Olympiad

In a historic first, the India men's and women's sides have had a gold medal finish at the 45th FIDE Chess Olympiad. The men's team defeated Slovenia after D Gukesh, Arjun Erigaisi and R Praggnanadhaa won their respective matches in the 11th and final round match. The women's team beat Azerbaijan 3.5-0.5 to clinch the title. Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi , acknowledged Team India's wins, saying that the remarkable win marks a new chapter in the trajectory of Indian sports.

"Historic win for India as our chess contingent wins the 45th #FIDE Chess Olympiad! India has won the Gold in both open and women’s categories at Chess Olympiad! Congratulations to our incredible Men's and Women's Chess Teams. This remarkable achievement marks a new chapter in India's sports trajectory. May this success inspire generations of chess enthusiasts to excel in the game," PM Modi tweeted on 'X', formerly Twitter.