Exclusive/ 'Messi, Rohit Sharma, we had to do': Tania Sachdev On Team's Grand Act Following Chess Olympiad Win

India on Sunday scripted history as its men's and women's teams clinched their maiden gold medals in the 45th Chess Olympiad after beating their respective opponents in the final round here. The men's team defeated Slovenia after D Gukesh, Arjun Erigaisi and R Praggnanandhaa 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. Indian men had earlier won two bronze -- in 2014 and 2022 -- in the tournament. Indian women had won a bronze in the 2022 edition in Chennai.

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Tania Sachdev On India's Viral Celebration

It is a moment of pride for India as both the men's and women's teams attained glory at the biggest dais of Chess. The incredible victory called for a special celebration, and much like Lionel Messi's famous FIFA World Cup celebration and Rohit Sharma 's grand way of collecting the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, the Chess champions Tania Sachdev and D. Gukesh followed the same path and exhibited a memorable act in the celebratory ceremony.

The saunter by Sachdev and Gukesh received major traction on social media and went viral. To know the story behind the celebration and other relevant topics on India's glorious victory at the Chess Olympiad, Republic World caught up with IM Tania Sachdev. Responding to the question of celebration Sachdev said, "We wanted to do something special, so we kept up the tradition of big moments. Messi, Rohit Sharma , and then we had to do it."

Also Read | Pakistan chess players hold tricolour to celebrate India's Olympiad win

On Juggling Different Duties

Aside from being a professional Chess player, Tania Sachdev is a renowned commentator and anchor as well. Republic World ventured into knowing how she managed the world load and yet became a vital member of the championship-winning team.

"It's very very tough, and to be honest, since, it, was actually part of the broadcast for the Olympics , the Paris Olympics, the summer games, and right after that I had to change gears and going to training mode, data tournament, again training then reached Budapest just to get into shape. So, it's been really tough, the last few months, but this moment everything feels worth it," She said.