<p>Fresh from his exploits in India's first-ever title-winning campaign at the <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/sports/other-sports/article/chess-olympiad-indias-chess-heroes-return-home-amid-fanfare-23399323" target="_blank" rel="none noopener"><strong>Chess Olympiad</strong></a>, Grandmaster Vidit Gujrathi has decided against defending his crown at the 10th Vugar Gashimov Memorial Chess Super Tournament in Azerbaijan for an audience with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday.</p>
<p>Gujrathi had won the Azerbaijan event last year after outperforming compatriot Arjun Erigaisi.</p>
<p>He was a part of the Indian men's team, which also included D Gukesh, R Praggnanandhaa and Arjun, that won a historic Chess Olympiad gold in the Open category.</p>
<p>Gujrathi took to 'X', formerly twitter, to inform that he reached Baku for the event but decided to return to India to meet Modi on learning about the felicitation function.</p>
<p><strong>Also Read: <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/sports/other-sports/article/chess-olympiad-2024-vidit-gujrathi-hails-olympiad-2024-win-golden-era-for-indian-chess-23399155" target="_blank" rel="none noopener">Vidit Gujrathi hails Olympiad 2024 win: 'Golden era for Indian chess'</a></strong></p>
<p>"I reached Baku and I got to know our Hon'ble PM wants to felicitate the Indian team. I was overjoyed when I heard this and I wanted to be a part of it. It's amazing at how such short notice he is taking out time for us," Gujrathi wrote on 'X'.</p>
<p>Gujrathi, 29, has been replaced by Aravindh Chithambaram for the event to be held from September 25-30.</p>
<p>"I contacted Sarkhan Gashimov (organiser) and he understood my sentiments. Big thanks to him! Wishing Aravindh the best to play against top players in this prestigious event," Gujrathi wrote.</p>
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Chess Olympiad: Gujrathi had won the Azerbaijan event last year after outperforming compatriot Arjun Erigaisi

Chess Olympiad: Vidit Gujrathi forgoes Azerbaijan title defense to meet PM Modi

Chess Olympiad: PM Modi meets men's and women's teams, hails India's historic double gold triumph

Gujrathi had won the Azerbaijan event last year after outperforming compatriot Arjun Erigaisi

Chess Olympiad: Vidit Gujrathi decides against defending title in Azerbaijan to meet PM Modi

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