In what can only be described as a dream come true for Indian chess, both the open and women’s teams clinched gold at the 2024 Chess Olympiad. For the women’s team, this was a particularly emotional win, India’s first chess gold in over a century. Vantika Agrawal, one of the youngest members of the team, shared her reflections on what this historic moment meant for her, her teammates, and the future of chess in India.
Vantika’s face lit up when talking about her team. There’s a certain glow that comes from not just winning, but winning with people you’ve grown to trust and depend on.
“Our team was pretty mixed,” she said, smiling. “Divya [Deshmukh], Vaishali [Rameshbabu], and I are very young, while Harika [Dronavalli] and Tania [Sachdev] have so much experience.”
It was this unique combination of youthful energy and seasoned expertise that gave the team its strength. The team’s strategy, she explained, revolved around balancing their roles.
“Our strategy was mostly trying to score on boards three and four and be solid, and whenever possible, keep scoring on boards one and two as well.”
There was something almost poetic about the way they worked together, each member playing their part, stepping up when needed, and trusting that the others would do the same. This harmony carried them through.
For Vantika, the gold wasn’t just a medal, it was a deeply emotional triumph.
“It has been amazing; we feel on top of the world,” she said, her excitement barely contained. “Winning after a hundred years, especially after the team’s bronze in Chennai two years ago, made this gold even more special.”
“We couldn’t even win a medal before that, and now to win gold—it’s an amazing feeling,” she added. Vantika’s pride in this achievement was unmistakable. But her words went beyond personal victory. As she spoke, it was clear she knew what this win meant for Indian chess and, more importantly, for the young girls watching from afar, now dreaming of their own gold medals.
A special moment with Prime Minister Modi
One of the most heartwarming moments for Vantika was meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi. And while the meeting itself was significant, it carried even more meaning for her because of a cherished memory.
“It was amazing; he was so encouraging,” she said. “It was special for me because I brought an old photo of mine with him from when I was 9 years old.”
That photo captured the moment she first met the Prime Minister in Gujarat after becoming the Asian Champion. “The motivation and encouragement that I got from him back then stayed with me till now,” shared Vantika. She smiled as she recounted the experience, clearly touched by how life had come full circle. “I wanted to make India feel proud.”
“We always tried to cheer each other up”
In any team event, there are inevitable ups and downs. For Vantika and her teammates, the Chess Olympiad was no different. The pressure was enormous, but their strength came from supporting one another.
“Usually, we didn’t talk much,” she admitted with a laugh. “But when someone was upset or stuck, we tried to cheer her up. Things can go wrong, but there are more games, so don’t worry, just play and you’ll do better.”
It’s a simple philosophy, but it worked. In the quiet moments between games, the team found strength in each other’s presence. There was no need for long pep talks or motivational speeches, just a reminder that, no matter what, they were in this together.
“I just want to go home and relax”
After months of intense preparation and the emotional rollercoaster of the tournament, Vantika’s celebration plans are refreshingly down-to-earth.
“I just want to go home and relax,” she said with a laugh. “And then celebrate with the family and go out and enjoy.”
Vantika’s reflections on the team’s journey to gold offer a rare glimpse into the heart of an athlete. This win isn’t just about trophies or titles, it’s about the memories, the challenges, and the people who shaped it. For Vantika, this historic victory will always be a reminder of what can be achieved when you believe in yourself and in your team.