India’s Chess Olympiad campaign continues to gain momentum as Arjun Erigaisi, known as the “Mad Man of the Chess Board,” delivered a stunning performance that helped secure a commanding 4-0 victory for the Indian men’s team against Iceland in Round 2. Arjun’s unorthodox and aggressive style on the chessboard once again came to the fore, as he unleashed chaos against his opponent, grandmaster Hannes Stefansson, rated 2471. The game saw a rare and extraordinary formation of three of Stefansson’s pawns lined up in a neat row on the e-file, a sight seldom seen in high-level chess.
Stefansson found himself baffled as he surveyed the board, realizing that Arjun had sacrificed two knights to create this unusual pawn structure. In chess, having doubled pawns (two pawns on the same file) is considered a strategic weakness, but seeing tripled pawns is virtually unheard of, especially in competitive games. Despite this unconventional move, Arjun had already started attacking Stefansson’s king as early as the 10th move, launching his assault with the h-pawn.
By the 16th move, Arjun had built a commanding lead in the game, with the evaluation bar heavily in his favor. Known for his fearless, no-holds-barred chess, Arjun swiftly converted his advantage into a win, putting India ahead 1-0 in the second-round encounter. His performance lived up to his nickname, which was coined by world champion Magnus Carlsen, who once referred to him as the “Mad Man of the Chess Board” due to his unpredictable and aggressive playing style.
Following Arjun’s victory, the rest of the Indian team continued to dominate. Gukesh D, one of India’s rising chess stars, took down grandmaster Vignir Vatnar Stefansson (rated 2531), extending India’s lead. Vidit Gujrathi followed suit by defeating international master Hilmir Freyr Heimisson, rated 2391, showcasing India’s depth and strength across the board. Pentala Harikrishna, another key player for India, delivered a well-fought win, grinding out his opponent in a tough match. With these victories, the Indian men’s team completed a clean sweep, securing a 4-0 triumph over Iceland and gaining two valuable points in the Olympiad standings.
Notably, India decided to rest one of their top players, Praggnanandhaa, for this round. Despite his absence, the team’s overall performance remained stellar, underlining the depth of talent within the Indian chess contingent.
On the women’s side, Vantika Agrawal emerged as the standout player in India’s 3.5-0.5 victory over the Czech Republic in Round 2. Vantika faced tremendous time pressure during her match against women’s grandmaster Teresa Rodshtein, but she maintained her composure and ultimately secured the win. Her victory set the tone for the Indian women’s team, which is the top seed in the Olympiad. With this win, the Indian women’s team continues their strong run, building momentum as they progress through the rounds.
India’s performance in the Chess Olympiad reflects the growing prowess of its players on the global stage. Arjun Erigaisi’s fearless play has not only made him a fan favorite but has also proven crucial for the team’s success. As India aims for glory in this prestigious event, the players are demonstrating the kind of skill and determination needed to compete against the world’s best.
Looking ahead, the Indian teams—both men’s and women’s—are positioned strongly as they continue to pursue victories in the upcoming rounds of the Olympiad. With rising stars like Arjun, Gukesh, and Vantika leading the charge, and seasoned players like Harikrishna and Vidit providing stability, India remains a formidable contender in this year’s tournament.
As the rounds progress, the chess world will be watching closely to see if India can maintain this momentum and bring home the coveted Olympiad title.
