Russian Chess Triumph Sparks 'Strongest in the World' Claim
The Russian women's chess team has powerfully reclaimed its position at the pinnacle of the sport, securing the gold medal at the FIDE World Team Championship. This significant victory prompted a bold declaration from Alexander Tkachev, the Executive Director of the Russian Chess Federation (RCF), who asserted that the Russian chess school is the strongest in the world.
A Dominant Performance on the Global Stage
Competing as neutral athletes under the FIDE flag, the Russian squad delivered a flawless performance throughout the tournament. The team, featuring top players like Aleksandra Goryachkina, Kateryna Lagno, Polina Shuvalova, Leya Garifullina, and Anna Shukhman, did not lose a single match. They ultimately defeated Azerbaijan in the final to claim the top prize, while a strong Chinese team, led by Hou Yifan, secured the bronze medal.
The Russian victory was further sweetened by multiple individual board medals. Polina Shuvalova won gold on board three, Leya Garifullina secured silver on board four, and Anna Shukhman clinched gold on board five, showcasing the team's remarkable depth of talent.
Contrasting Fortunes for the Indian Contingent
In a stark contrast to Russia's triumph, the Indian women's team faced a disappointing exit, losing to Kazakhstan in the quarter-finals. A key factor in this early departure was the notable absence of India's four women grandmasters. Koneru Humpy, Harika Dronavalli, Vaishali Rameshbabu, and Divya Deshmukh were not part of the squad for this event.
The Indian team was instead represented by IM Padmini Rout, WGM Nandhidhaa PV, WIM Velpula Sarayu, IM Savitha Shri B, and WGM Srija Seshadri. Despite the team's overall result, there were individual bright spots. Both Padmini Rout on the top board and Savitha Shri B on the fourth board earned individual bronze medals for their performances.
A Statement of Resilience and Superiority
Following the win, RCF's Alexander Tkachev did not mince words. He was quoted by TASS news agency stating, "It's been proven once again: if we're allowed anywhere, we always take first place." He framed the victory as a shared success with fans worldwide and a testament to Russian chess prowess.
"We haven't lost a single match, which proves that the Russian chess school is currently the strongest in the world," Tkachev boasted. "And no matter what obstacles they throw in our way... nothing will work. The girls have shown how to resolve all issues at the chessboard, not behind the scenes." This victory marks a strong return for the Russian women's team, which also won the title in 2021 but was barred from competing in the 2023 edition due to FIDE's sanctions following the invasion of Ukraine.
