India has etched its name in history by winning double gold at the Chess Olympiad 2024, marking the first time both the men's and women's teams claimed gold medals. The men's team triumphed over Slovenia, with standout performances from D. Gukesh, Arjun Erigaisi, and R. Praggnanandhaa in their final round matches. Meanwhile, the women's team clinched victory against Azerbaijan to secure their place at the top.

Vantika Agrawal, a key member of the women's team, expressed immense pride in their achievement. In an interview with NDTV, she shared, "When we won the medal, we were on top of the world. We didn’t even know how to express ourselves." This victory marks a significant milestone for Indian chess, as it ends a 100-year wait for a gold medal, following a bronze in the previous Olympiad.

Reflecting on the pressure of the tournament, Vantika detailed the team's preparation and expectations. "Before the tournament, we were the first seeds, and it was kind of expected that we would win a medal," she noted. After facing challenges, including a crucial match against Poland, Vantika found herself under pressure to secure a win. "I knew that I had to play the best chess of my life for my team and my country," she added.

Inspiration plays a crucial role in Vantika's journey as a chess player. She cited legendary Indian grandmaster Viswanathan Anand as her motivation, stating, "He keeps motivating us and will even be there for us in Hungary." Additionally, she expressed admiration for multiple-time world champion Magnus Carlsen, further fueling her passion for the game.