For International Master Tania Sachdev, this gold medal at the 2024 Chess Olympiad meant more than meets the eye. It was the culmination of a 16-year journey filled with heartache, preparation and perseverance.
The heartbreak of the Chennai Chess Olympiad 2022 still lingered in Tania’s voice as she reflected on what could have been. That year, the Indian women’s team made history by securing a bronze, but for Tania and her teammates, the podium finish felt hollow.
“We were so close in Chennai, and it was such a heartbreaking moment for us. Even though it was a historic bronze, we were not able to celebrate it.”
Chennai 2022 was supposed to be their breakthrough moment, the result of years of hard work and preparation. But instead, it served as a reminder of how close they were to greatness, and how much further they needed to go. This time around Tania and her team were not in the mood to settle
“Nothing less than gold would have satisfied us,” Tania said, emphasising how deeply the team felt the sting of falling short. That disappointment wasn’t just about the missed medal; it was about unfinished business.
For Tania, who had spent the better part of her career chasing this elusive gold, Chennai was a motivator. Sixteen years of commitment to her craft, countless hours of study, practice, and competition had led her to this pivotal point in her journey. And it wasn’t just about the individual accolades, Tania had always seen the bigger picture. This was about making Indian chess a global force to be reckoned with.
“This dream started 16 years ago and finally happened,” she said, with the weight of all those years behind her.
When the team entered the Chess Olympiad 2024, their focus was singular: The coveted Gold medal. “This time, the team went in with the agenda that no matter what happens, we have to get the gold,” she reflected. “Our spirits were very high.”
This time, there would be no settling for bronze. From the very first move of the tournament, the women’s team exuded confidence, playing with a mentality that was hard-earned from years of lessons, both on and off the board.
“Experience came in very handy playing a team championship in the Olympiad. We had great captains and coaches guiding us,” she said, pointing out how crucial their collective experience and leadership were ensuring history would not repeat itself.
Their eventual victory wasn’t just a win for the team, it was a victory for the entire nation, one that announced India’s arrival as a chess superpower.
“For Indian chess, it’s such a big moment, with the open and women’s teams establishing their dominance as a superpower in the chess world.” Tania was also quick to credit the younger generation, who played a key role in their success. “The youngsters played such a big role, so the future of chess is now and it’s in India.”
But for Tania, beyond the celebration and the medals, this victory was deeply personal. It was about redemption. About proving that dreams, even the ones carried for 16 long years, are worth fighting for. Despite all the accolades, she admits that the reality of what they’ve achieved hasn’t fully sunk in.
“Not yet, because there’s been so much happening. But everything has been beautiful, and I’m feeling immense gratitude.”
This gold medal is more than just a symbol of victory, it’s the conclusion of a chapter in Tania Sachdev’s career that started with disappointment but ended with glory. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the greatest wins come not from avoiding failure but from turning it into fuel for success.
And as India’s chess future burns brighter than ever, Tania’s journey stands as a beacon of hope for every young player with a dream—and a reminder that redemption is always within reach for those who never stop believing in it.