Vantika Agrawal wrapped up the 46th Chess Olympiad with a 6/8 score, earning an individual bronze after a string of wins that included a stunning upset over former US champion Irina Krush and a comeback victory against Uzbekistan's Nilufarkhon Imomkuzieva.
She had a three‑day break after the sixth round—one rest day and two rounds where captain Swayams Mishra kept her off the board against Germany and Kazakhstan—giving her a chance to recharge. On the third day, she binged episodes of 'India's Got Latent,' reportedly saying the show was a much‑needed mental escape before returning to the board.
The turning point came in Round 10 against China. A 40‑move draw with Lu Miaoyi cost India its gold‑medal hopes, with Agrawal admitting she played too aggressively and missed a safe draw. "I knew I wasn’t in a better position, but I wanted a win," she said, reflecting on a missed opportunity that could have pushed her to gold.
Despite that setback, the team rallied. Mishra praised the dressing‑room unity, noting how players like Humpy Koneru, Divya Deshmukh, and Savitha Shri lifted each other. Agrawal added that the collective focus on individual games keeps India in the hunt for team glory, with the next round set to pit India against Pakistan in a high‑stakes clash that could decide the title.