Anand’s Vision Inspires India’s Chess Champions Rise
Chess originated in India around the 6th century as Chaturanga, representing military divisions. It spread to Persia and then to Europe, evolving into modern chess. In the 20th century, Viswanathan Anand became India’s first World Chess Champion in 1988, sparking widespread interest in the game. Since then, India has produced several grandmasters, primarily through online platforms, with the chess scene booming in the 21st century.
India’s remarkable double gold at the Chess Olympiad marks the dawn of a potential new era of dominance.
After the final match, Dibyendu Barua, head of the Indian delegation, reached out excitedly: “Do you want to speak to the women who just made history?” momentarily asked, and it truly felt miraculous. “This is the start of India’s dominance in world chess,” Dibyendu said, echoing Anand’s earlier sentiment. “This is one of the most comprehensive performances in Olympiad history.”
As I spoke to Anand, the women’s team gathered, still in disbelief. Divya Deshmukh shared, “It’s the highest point in my career so far, but I want to go much further.” Harika Dronavalli, relieved after years of waiting, declared, “It feels fantastic. We are now on top of the world.” Vantika Agarwal admitted to feeling the pressure but emphasized their unwavering self-belief.
This achievement is monumental: India has won gold in both the open and women’s sections for the first time since the Soviet era. Anand, the chess legend, has played a crucial role in inspiring these players, and the fact that they achieved this without him competing shows just how strong the next generation is. Magnus Carlsen had predicted India’s rise, and it’s now unfolding.
To put it in perspective, India’s dominance—finishing four points ahead of a formidable USA team—is reminiscent of the greatest Soviet teams. They lost just one match in a fiercely competitive field, a testament to their skill.
As we look forward to the Global Chess League and D Gukesh’s World Championship final, it’s clear that the era of Indian chess is upon us. Anand, the trailblazer, can now see the fruits of his labor take shape. “I am very pleased and proud,” he said. And rightly so! This is just the beginning.
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Indian chess is poised for significant growth, with increased participation from youth and more emerging talents. This growth is expected to be fueled by greater investment from sponsors and the government, improved training methods using technology, and a rise in international tournaments hosted in India. Additionally, we’re likely to see more women excelling in the sport, making chess a more significant part of Indian culture. Overall, the future looks bright and promising for chess in India!
