Star chess player Dronavalli Harika is optimistic about India’s chances but said the top-seeded women’s team will have to put up a collective effort to win medals at the 44th Chess Olympiad, beginning on Thursday.

The 31-year old has been the backbone of the Indian women’s team at the Olympiad for the last 18 years. Playing her eighth Olympiad in a row, she is in the process of setting the national record of continuous successive Olympiad appearances since she made her debut in 2004. 

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