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Chess Heroes Mimic Rohit Sharma

September 23, 2024 13:55 IST

D Gukesh with Tania Sachdev

IMAGE: A screengrab of chess heroes replicating Rohit Sharma's iconic walk after India won the cricket T20I World Cup on June 29, 2024, in Budapest, September 22, 2024. Photograph: Kind courtesy Susan Polgar/X

The Indian men's and women's chess teams etched their names in the game's history by winning gold medals at the 2024 FIDE Chess Olympiad in Budapest on Sunday, September 22, 2024.

Video: Kind courtesy Susan Polgar/X

Inspired by the iconic trophy lift of cricket captain Rohit Sharma during the 2024 T20I World Cup in June, the chess players replicated the gesture.

Rohit's celebration had itself been a homage to Argentine football legend Lionel Messi's post-match trophy lift after winning the FIFA World Cup in 2022.

Video: Are D Gukesh and Vidit Gujrathi discussing Rohit Sharma's slow walk? Photograph: Kind Courtesy Chess Olympiad/X

On Sunday, September 22, the Indian chess contingent followed suit, with Gukesh D and Tania Sachdev bringing their respective trophies to the podium in a near identical pose.

Grandmaster and former World women's chess champion Susan Polgár shared a video of the celebration on X, capturing the team's infectious enthusiasm with a caption, 'India team spirit! Celebration time! Olympiad Champions!'

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