Written By Geervani M (Grade 10)
India has undergone a remarkable evolution in chess, establishing itself as a formidable force on the global stage. In recent decades, the nation has produced champion players who have won international competitions, notably the iconic Viswanathan Anand, alongside a new wave of young talents such as Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa, Nihal Sarin, and Gukesh Dommaraju. This chess revaluation is not a coincidence; it results from a strategy that influences cultural enrichment, necessary governmental support, technological advancements, dedicated coaching initiatives, and the inspiring legacies of Indian chess legends.
India is widely recognized as the cradle of chess, where the ancient game “Chaturanga” was first played over 1,500 years ago. This game laid the groundwork for the modern chess we know today and moved through Persia, the Islamic world, and ultimately into Europe. This profound historical lineage has deeply influenced chess in Indian culture. Although contemporary chess has undergone considerable transformation, its origins in India offer a significant psychological and historical foundation that enriches the game’s legacy.
In Indian society, chess has historically been regarded as a manifestation of intellectual prowess, strategic acumen, and mental game. While it may not have always occupied the forefront of popular activities, it has consistently been played as a noble game. This cultural relationship has developed a lasting appreciation for the game, giving opportunities for future generations to readily embrace it when the opportunity arises.
The true turning point in India’s journey to prominence in the realm of chess can be traced to the remarkable rise of Viswanathan Anand, also known as the “Tiger of Madras.” Anand’s ascent during the late 1980s and 1990s was nothing less than extraordinary. At just 18 years old, he made history by becoming India’s first Grandmaster in 1988, and he went on to claim the World Chess Championship title an impressive five times (in 2000, 2007, 2008, 2010, and 2012).
Anand’s remarkable achievements helped Indian chess to reach a prominent position on the world stage. His gracious humility, coupled with his impressive victories over the greatest minds of the game, such as Garry Kasparov and Vladimir Kramnik, has made him an inspiring icon for aspiring young chess players across India. He holds the belief that Indians can thrive in a discipline historically dominated by Russian and European champions, serving as a beacon of possibility and excellence.
The phenomenon known as the “Anand effect” has ignited a remarkable enthusiasm for chess throughout India. Aspiring young players began to perceive chess not merely as a game, but as a promising avenue for achievement and acclaim. This shift in perspective has resulted in a significant rise in both participation and the cultivation of talent. Anand’s triumphs have demonstrated that India is capable of nurturing world-class chess champions, thereby fostering increased institutional support and investment in the sport.
In light of the increasing interest and impressive talent in chess, both the Indian government and private organizations have embarked on a commitment to enhance the chess infrastructure. The All India Chess Federation (AICF) has been instrumental in supporting the game’s growth nationwide. Established in 1951, the AICF dedicated years to organizing tournaments, establishing ranking systems, and nurturing young talent. Yet, it was the remarkable ascent of Viswanathan Anand that truly influenced the increase of attention and financial support for chess in India.
The government’s “Khelo India” initiative, dedicated to improving sports at the grassroots level, has significantly contributed to the rising popularity of chess among the youth of India. This commendable program offers essential financial backing, scholarships, and access to training facilities for emerging players. Given chess’s minimal financial requirements compared to many other sports, it is ideally positioned for widespread embrace in a nation like India, where the high cost of infrastructure often poses a barrier for aspiring athletes.
Educational institutions, particularly in India, have made significant contributions to the advancement of chess. Many schools and colleges have established dedicated chess clubs, hosted frequent tournaments, and actively inspired students to consider a professional path in the game. In fact, some schools go so far as to hire full-time chess coaches, providing students with the invaluable opportunity to receive expert training from an early age.
The rise of technology has been instrumental in impacting India’s chess achievements to new heights. The widespread availability of the internet has granted Indian players access to the finest resources globally, encompassing online chess platforms, complete databases, and advanced training tools. Platforms such as Chess.com and Lichess enable players to engage in competition with opponents from across the globe, thus providing opportunities to refine their skills and understand and experience the game better compared to earlier generations.
Furthermore, chess engines like Stockfish and Komodo have transformed the landscape of chess, enhancing both gameplay and study. Indian players, who previously faced challenges in accessing high-tech coaching, can now utilize these advanced tools to improve their games, pinpoint errors, and deepen their strategic insights. Additionally, the rise of online coaching has opened doors for many Indian players to receive guidance from some of the world’s prominent coaches, all without the necessity of international travel.
The flourishing of India’s chess ecosystem has been greatly enhanced by the advent of YouTube and social media platforms, where esteemed professional players generously share their expertise, strategies, and insights. Prominent Indian chess channels, such as “ChessBase India,” have experienced remarkable growth, offering tutorials, game analysis, and interviews with leading players. This easy access to chess knowledge has played an important role in nurturing a new generation of Indian chess champions.
Although technology undoubtedly holds a pivotal role in the development of skills, the value of traditional coaching and mentorship remains very important. In the last twenty years, India has witnessed the emergence of numerous prestigious chess academies dedicated to supporting young talent, where aspiring players receive invaluable guidance from coaches. Many of these academies are run by former Grandmasters and International Masters, whose profound experience equips players to improvise their game to new heights.
Esteemed coaches like Ramesh R.B., recognized for nurturing prodigies such as Praggnanandhaa, alongside the legendary Viswanathan Anand—who has embraced mentorship for numerous emerging talents—have played a pivotal role in sculpting the careers of India’s chess stars. The landscape of coaching in India has evolved remarkably, transcending the mere instruction of fundamental skills to have advanced strategies, psychological strength, and invaluable exposure to international competition.
Indian chess coaching programs are distinguished by their commitment to holistic development. Participants receive training that extends beyond the intricacies of the game and contains mental patience, physical endurance, and effective strategies for managing the pressures of big competition. This well-rounded approach cultivates not only adept players but also mentally fit athletes, fully equipped to navigate the challenges of international tournaments with confidence and courage.
India’s ascent in the realm of chess has been powerfully reinforced by a remarkable new wave of talent, who are captivating the international stage at ever younger ages. Players such as Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa, Gukesh D., Nihal Sarin, and Arjun Erigaisi showed this extraordinary generation of gifted players, swiftly rising through the global rankings and leaving an unforgettable mark on the chess world.
At the 45th FIDE Women’s Chess Olympiad, Team India achieved a historic milestone by securing the gold medal for the first time, following a near miss during their home competition in 2022. With a commanding victory over Azerbaijan, winning 3.5-0.5, they watched as Kazakhstan, who had been tied with them on match points from the beginning, settled for a draw against the U.S. team. Grandmasters Gukesh Dommaraju, Arjun Erigaisi, and Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu delivered a stunning performance, leading the Indian men’s team to a resounding triumph in the 45th FIDE Chess Olympiad. With an impressive 3.5-0.5 victory against Slovenia, they not only secured their place at the pinnacle of chess but also finished a remarkable four points ahead of five competing teams, with the United States claiming the silver medal.
Praggnanandhaa, for example, achieved the remarkable distinction of becoming the youngest International Master in history at just 10 years old, and at the tender age of 12, he secured his place as the second-youngest Grandmaster. In 2023, he captured global attention by advancing to the finals of the FIDE World Cup, where he succeeded over international competitors such as Hikaru Nakamura and Fabiano Caruana, ultimately facing off against the reigning world champion, Magnus Carlsen. In a similar vein, Gukesh D. made history in October 2023 by becoming the youngest Indian player to join the prestigious ranks of the world’s top 10, underscoring the extraordinary wealth of youthful talent emerging from India.
Featured Image Courtesy – ESPN
