India unveil Olympiad squads with Gukesh, Praggnanandhaa and Vaishali to defend titles
Team India has finalised its line-ups for the upcoming FIDE Chess Olympiad, naming strong contingents in both the open and women's events. The nation, as defending champions, is aiming to retain both open and women's team titles.
The announced squads offer continuity at the top, with high-profile names set to carry the responsibility for title defence. Prominent players like Gukesh and Praggnanandhaa will lead the men's team, while Vaishali, a recent Women's Candidates winner, spearheads the women's lineup. Team management described the selections as formidable, and the timing follows standard preparations for a major international team event. Viswanathan Anand now serves as the interim FIDE president.
On the men's side, the inclusion of Gukesh and Praggnanandhaa emphasises India’s reliance on its leading grandmasters for match-critical boards. Their presence signals a strategy that places top-rated talent at the core of the side’s efforts. The pair’s roles will be central to India’s attempt to replicate the success that secured the open title in the previous edition.
The women's squad is anchored by Vaishali, whose profile has risen after success in the Candidates cycle. Her appointment as the focal point of the women's line-up reflects recent achievements and the selectors’ confidence. With the country holding the women's team crown, her selection carries particular prominence for the title defence.
Officials framed the squads as balanced and equipped to contest at the highest level across both sections. Announcing the teams well before the tournament allows for any final logistical arrangements and formalities to be completed. The selections bring together the players who will represent India on the global stage at the FIDE Chess Olympiad.
The federation’s short-term objective is clear: retain both the open and women's team titles at the Olympiad. With the named players leading the charge, Team India enters the event with their champion status and squad choices confirmed.