By The year 2000 marked the beginning of a new era in Indian Chess, bringing a monumental shift in the global Chess landscape. Facing Spain’s Alexei Shirov in the final of the FIDE World Chess Championship, Anand played with precision, calmness, and creativity, which earned him the nickname “The Tiger of Madras.” In a dominating performance, he clinched the title with a score of 3.5–0.5, becoming the first Indian to win the World Chess Championship. Anand’s victory wasn’t just a personal triumph; it ignited a chess revolution in India, inspiring millions and laying the groundwork for the country to become a chess powerhouse.
Two decades later, India boasts a growing number of chess grandmasters (GMs), a feat once unimaginable. From Anand’s historic win to today, India has risen as a chess nation, producing 85 grandmasters as of 2024. But what factors have driven this meteoric rise?
The Viswanathan Anand Effect
Viswanathan Anand’s influence on Indian chess cannot be overstated. His World Championship win in 2000 was a watershed moment, propelling chess into mainstream consciousness in India. Before Anand, India had only a few International Masters and a single GM—Manuel Aaron, who earned the title in 1961. Anand’s consistent performances on the global stage, including five World Championship titles (2000, 2007, 2008, 2010, and 2012), provided inspiration and a tangible role model for young chess players. His success demonstrated that Indian players could compete and succeed on the international chess scene.
Anand’s humility, work ethic, and tactical brilliance sparked a nationwide interest in the game. By the late 2000s, chess became a viable career option, especially for young minds. Chess clubs mushroomed in cities like Chennai, Mumbai, and Delhi, while schools began to introduce chess as an extracurricular activity.
The Rise of Chess Academies and Infrastructure
One of the most crucial factors behind India’s chess boom has been the development of chess academies and improved infrastructure. After Anand’s rise, chess coaching centres emerged, particularly in southern India, where the game has deep cultural roots. Chennai, often called the “Mecca of Indian Chess,” has produced over 30 grandmasters, including Anand.
Coaching centres like Chess Gurukul, run by GM R. B. Ramesh, and the WestBridge Anand Chess Academy, launched in partnership with Anand, have played a pivotal role in honing young talent. These academies provide technical training and prepare players mentally for the rigours of international competition.
The Chess Federation of India (AICF) has also significantly contributed by organising various tournaments at all levels, giving young talents ample opportunities to compete, gain exposure, and earn Elo ratings. With over 2,000 rated players in the country, the depth of talent is immense. This has been the biggest reason India has so many grandmasters because of the country’s institution for Chess.
Government Support and Corporate Sponsorship
India’s rise as a chess nation can also be attributed to increased government support and corporate sponsorship. The government’s recognition of chess as a priority sport has led to financial assistance for top players and infrastructural development. Through the Khelo India program and Sports Authority of India (SAI), promising chess players receive scholarships and grants, enabling them to focus entirely on their training.
Furthermore, corporate sponsorship has played an instrumental role in the chess boom. Companies like ONGC, Indian Oil, and Tata have sponsored national and international tournaments, while individual players receive funding for travel, training, and participation in global competitions. Sponsorship from tech giants like Infosys has also helped enhance the accessibility of chess by supporting online tournaments and live-streaming platforms.
Young Prodigies: The New Era of Indian Chess
India’s chess grandmaster tally reached 85 in 2024, with a new generation of prodigies leading the charge. Players like Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa, Arjun Erigaisi, and Nihal Sarin are not just local stars but rising international contenders competing against the best players globally.
Praggnanandhaa, often dubbed the “next Anand,” became the youngest international master at ten and has since stunned the chess world by defeating Magnus Carlsen in 2022 at the Airthings Masters. His runner-up finish in the 2023 FIDE World Cup made him a potential future World Champion. Arjun Erigaisi and Nihal Sarin are also making waves on the international circuit. Their rapid rise is powered by rigorous training, online competition, and participation in elite tournaments like the Grand Chess Tour and the Chess Olympiad.
Moreover, the Indian contingent, including the women and men, won the 45th FIDE Chess Olympiad in 2024. This marked the first time that Indian men and Women, both teams, have won the FIDE Chess Olympiad, Ushering India into a new era of Chess.
If anything, the recent success of India in Chess has proven to the world that India might have had a few hiccups in the past few years. However, it is just that, a hiccup and the best of Indian Chess is yet to come. With 85 grandmasters and counting, India has firmly established itself as a chess superpower, and its future in the game looks even brighter. Whether on the digital board or across the table, India’s grandmasters are ready to take on the world, inspired by their past and determined to define their future.
