India began its title defence at the 46th Chess Olympiad in Samarkand with a 3-1 victory over Thailand, but the opening round delivered a result few in the Indian camp would have expected.
While Nihal Sarin, D Gukesh and Vidit Gujrathi secured convincing wins, Arjun Erigaisi suffered a stunning defeat against Thailand’s International Master Prin Laohawirapap on the top board. The result was particularly significant because of the enormous rating difference between the two players. Arjun entered the contest rated 2759, while Laohawirapap was rated 2363. The 396-point gap made the result one of the biggest individual upsets of the opening day.
For India, however, the damage was contained. With three wins on the remaining boards, the defending champions secured the team victory and avoided an early stumble in their bid to retain the Open title. Arjun’s advantage disappears late. With R Praggnanandhaa rested for the opening round, Arjun was handed the top board against Thailand’s 20-year-old IM. Playing with White, the Indian started strongly and held the better position for much of the contest.
The game, however, gradually moved away from Arjun. He had a winning advantage for much of the game before a tactical oversight late in the contest allowed Laohawirapap to turn the tables. With both players facing time pressure, the Thai player remained composed while Arjun struggled to deal with the threats around his exposed king.
The contest eventually stretched deep into the sixth hour. Arjun’s advantage had disappeared and Laohawirapap began to take control. The Indian’s final mistake left his king vulnerable to a coordinated attack, forcing him to resign with the defeat becoming the biggest individual upset of Round 1. For Laohawirapap, the victory was a career-defining moment on the biggest stage of his young career. The 20-year-old Thai player held his nerve despite the pressure and converted an opportunity that had looked unlikely earlier in the game.
Nihal, Gukesh and Vidit restore India’s control. India’s response came quickly on the other boards. Nihal Sarin delivered the first win for the defending champions, defeating FM Thanadon Kulpruethanon in 28 moves with the black pieces. His victory gave India an early advantage and settled some of the nerves created by Arjun’s unexpected struggle.
Gukesh then produced an attacking performance against Faris Rashid Alriyami. The reigning world champion was placed on Board 3, an unusual decision considering his status and his role on the top board in India’s previous Olympiad campaigns. He responded with a comfortable victory to strengthen India’s position.
Vidit Gujrathi completed the winning effort, defeating Tupfah Khumnorkaew to give India the required third point. The 3-1 result means India opened its campaign with a team victory, despite failing to collect a clean sweep. The Olympiad is being played over 11 rounds under the Swiss system, with four players competing for each team in every round.
Women’s team makes perfect start. India’s women’s team had a far smoother opening day, defeating the Dominican Republic 4-0. Koneru Humpy led the way with a win over Franchesca Ramirez Luzon, while R Vaishali defeated Miguelina De La Rosa Martinez.
Vantika Agrawal overcame Mary Loly Gonzalez Peguero after a more competitive contest, and B Savitha Shri marked her Olympiad debut with a victory over Karla Mya Nunez Diaz. India entered the 2026 Olympiad as defending champions in both sections after winning historic double gold at the 2024 Budapest edition. The 2026 tournament has attracted more than 200 teams in the Open section and is among the largest editions in the history of the Olympiad.
India got the result it needed, but the opening round also served as an early reminder that team chess rarely follows the script. Arjun’s defeat could easily have turned into a major setback for the defending champions. Instead, the strength of India’s lineup ensured that one unexpected result did not determine the outcome of the match. That depth will be crucial over the remaining rounds. Gukesh, Nihal and Vidit demonstrated why India has multiple players capable of delivering points, while Arjun will now have the opportunity to respond in the rounds ahead.
The bigger picture remains unchanged. India has arrived in Samarkand as the defending Open and women’s champions, but the title defence has begun with a warning rather than a statement of complete dominance. For Laohawirapap, it was a day to remember. For India, it was a winning start that came with a lesson: at the Olympiad, reputation may decide expectations, but the board decides the result.
