This historic moment occurred at the World Junior Chess Championship 2008 held in Gaziantep, Turkey, when India became the first country in the history of the tournament to win both the open and girls’ sections in the same edition. The victory was a testament to India’s growing dominance in chess, spearheaded by young talents.
Abhijeet Gupta, from Bhilwara, Rajasthan, made history by becoming the first Indian to win the World Junior Chess Championship in the Open Section.
Gupta displayed consistent and confident play throughout the tournament, finishing with 10 points from 13 rounds, emerging as the clear winner.
His victory was a significant milestone, as it underlined India’s strength in producing top-level chess talent.
D. Harika, from Andhra Pradesh, clinched the title in the Girls’ Section, becoming only the second Indian girl after Koneru Humpy (2001) to win the World Junior Chess Championship.
Harika’s remarkable performance and tactical acumen ensured her victory, further solidifying her position as one of the brightest young stars in Indian chess.
To make the victory even sweeter, Parimarjan Negi secured the silver medal, giving India a rare 1-2 finish in the Open Section.
Negi, one of the youngest Grandmasters in the world at the time, showcased exceptional skill and determination throughout the tournament.
This marked the first time any country had won both the Open and Girls’ titles in a single edition of the World Junior Chess Championship.
It demonstrated India’s growing dominance in international chess and the depth of young talent in the country.
Abhijeet Gupta and D. Harika’s victories became a source of inspiration for future generations of Indian chess players.
This success also highlighted the effectiveness of India’s chess training programs and the growing popularity of the sport in the country.
The 2008 World Junior Chess Championship remains a landmark event in Indian chess history, showcasing the nation’s emergence as a powerhouse in the global chess arena.
