Chess Olympiad | We are going to be fielding one of the strongest teams, says Grandmaster B Adhiban
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Grandmaster B Adhiban has stated that the Indian team will be fielding one of the strongest team in the upcoming Chess Olympiad. Participating in the recent Asian Nations Cup, Indian men's chess team claimed a silver medal in classical section, while bagging a bronze in the rapid format.
Adhiban sounded confident when asked about his team's chances at the upcoming 43rd Chess Olympiad, which is going to take place in Batumi, Georgia from September 23. He assured that they wouldn't take any chances and go all guns blazing.
“We are going to be fielding one of the strongest teams in the Olympiad and we hope to raise our game and come up with a good show," Adhiban told TOI.
The Indian team could not qualify for the World Teams Event that is going to be held next year, as they managed to claim the runners-up position in the Asian Nations Cup. And Adhiban stated that the performances given by the Iranian team did not surprise him in any way.
“The winner of the Asian Nations Cup qualifies for that event and we couldn't make the cut since we finished second in the competition. Since we missed the bus, we will have to win the Olympiad in order to qualify for the Worlds. I feel if we play to our potential, then we certainly can do that," Adhiban said.
“They have a few good players in their line-up and we were ready for them. We practically had good positions in every board but couldn't capitalize on it. They managed to maintain their form in all formats of the tournament and reigned supreme. This I think is an area where we can definitely look on," Adhiban added.
