India and Russia on Sunday were announced as joint winners of the FIDE Chess Olympiad as Nihal Sarin and Divya Deshmukh lost connection to their games in the second round and had to forfeit. In a first, the olympiad was conducted online. Wishes started pouring on for Team India on their incredible achievement as Primer Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Indian cricketer Ajinkya Rahane, etc expressed their delight over the matter.

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Originally, Russia was declared as the winners, but India filed an appeal and after investigation, both India and Russia were announced as joint winners. This was the first time that India reached the finals of the FIDE Chess Olympiad. India's best finish at the Olympiad had come in 2014 when the contingent returned with a bronze medal.

PM Modi took to Twitter and wrote: "Congratulations to our chess players for winning the FIDE Online #ChessOlympiad. Their hard work and dedication are admirable. Their success will surely motivate other chess players. I would like to congratulate the Russian team as well."

Meanwhile, Amit Shah wrote on Twitter: "Proud moment for India!  Congratulations to Team India on winning the FIDE online #ChessOlympiad. This has been possible because of the unparalleled commitment of our chess masters. I am sure this stellar achievement will further the spirit of our young players across the nation."

India and Delhi Capitals batsman Ajinkya Rahane also extended his best wishes towards the Indian team that secured gold at the Chess Olympiad.

"Many congratulations to team India on being declared the joint winners for the #ChessOlympiad . Proud moment for us as a nation!" Rahane said on Twitter.

Earlier, India's best finish at the Olympiad before the 2020 edition had come in 2014 when the contingent returned with a bronze medal.