India have a strong chance of winning medals at Chess Olympiad: Magnus Carlsen

Magnus Carlsen on Tuesday said that hosts India stand a strong chance of winning medals at the upcoming 44th Chess Olympiad. India will be hosting the showpiece event for the first time in the prestigious tournament's history from July 28 to August 10. "Both Indian teams have a very strong and impressive line of players and I think both have a chance to be amongst the medals," Carlsen said.

Read AlsoAnand's absence will be felt but India capable of putting up good show at Olympiad: Harikrishna

India's top-ranked chess player P Harikrishna on Tuesday said while legendary Viswanathan Anand's absence from the Indian team will make a big difference, the young players are ready to carve out a niche for themselves at this year's Chess Olympiad.

With no China or Russia taking part at the Olympiad, the India 'A' team is seeded second behind the formidable and star-studded USA. On the other hand, The second Indian team (B) is seeded 11th but comprises a bunch of youngsters like R Praggnanandhaa and D Gukesh, who have impressed all and sundry in recent times. The five-time world champion is currently in Chennai and is part of Team Norway, which is ranked third among the 187 nations taking part in the event. It was in 2013, when Carlsen clinched his first-ever World Championship title when he defeated his rival and Indian legend, Viswanathan Anand.

Read AlsoIndia 'B' team capable of podium finish in Chess Olympiad: Coach Ramesh

The 'B' team, seeded 11th comprises Nihal Sarin, D Gukesh, R Praggnanandhaa, B Adhiban and Raunak Sadhwani, all Grandmasters, and Ramesh believes if the players can keep their focus during the 11 rounds of the Olympiad, beginning at nearby Mamallapuram on July 28, they can finish on the podium.

"Tamil Nadu