For decades, the global chessboard has seen titans rise and fall, empires shift, and new strategies emerge. Yet, few periods have witnessed such a seismic and rapid transformation as the current era, where a vibrant wave of young Indian grandmasters is not just competing but unequivocally dominating. This isn`t merely a fleeting moment of success; it`s a testament to a foundational shift, eloquently encapsulated by the observation of chess legend Garry Kasparov: “The era of `Vishy`s children` is truly upon us!”
The phrase itself, laden with both respect and a touch of paternal pride, refers to the profound influence of Viswanathan Anand, India’s first undisputed World Champion, whose legacy extends far beyond his own remarkable games. He didn`t just win titles; he cultivated an environment, inspired a nation, and perhaps, most crucially, set an example that has now bloomed into an unprecedented era of Indian excellence.
The Rise of a New Generation: Fearless and Formidable
The poster child for this new wave is undoubtedly Gukesh Dommaraju. His journey through the 2024 Candidates tournament was a masterclass in audacious ambition. Faced with a field of seasoned veterans, each boasting higher ratings and deeper experience, Gukesh displayed an almost unsettling calm. He navigated complex positions, outmaneuvered established powerhouses, and ultimately clinched the right to challenge for the World Championship. His subsequent triumph over Ding Liren, a victory forged in the fires of relentless pushing even when a draw seemed inevitable, solidified his place atop the chess world. It was a clear declaration: this generation cares little for historical reverence or statistical probabilities; they simply play to win.
And the phenomenon isn`t limited to the open section. Women`s chess, long considered a stronghold of Chinese dominance, has also witnessed a dramatic rebalancing. The recent FIDE Women`s World Cup in Batumi, Georgia, culminated in an all-Indian final—a historic moment that saw Divya Deshmukh defeat her compatriot Koneru Humpy. Divya’s win was not just a personal milestone, elevating her to Grandmaster status, but a symbolic breaking of the old guard. For decades, Chinese players held the Women`s World Championship for the vast majority of years. Divya`s victory, earned through sheer tenacity even when finishing games proved challenging, signals a robust challenge to that established order.
A Deep Bench: More Than Just Two Stars
The depth of Indian talent is perhaps the most compelling aspect of this narrative. Beyond Gukesh and Divya, a constellation of young stars shines brightly:
- R Praggnanandhaa: Already a household name, known for his calm demeanor and exceptional strategic understanding.
- Arjun Erigaisi: A formidable force in both classical and faster time controls, consistently pushing the top players. His recent close encounters at the eSports World Cup highlight his versatility.
- Nihal Sarin: Renowned for his speed and online prowess, he is steadily translating that to over-the-board success.
- Vidit Gujrathi and Aravindh Chithambaram: Both are on the cusp of the global top 20, adding further strength to India`s open category lineup.
- R Vaishali and Harika Dronavalli: Continuing to make their mark in women`s chess, ensuring India`s presence at the highest levels.
This “conveyor belt,” as some have dubbed it, ensures a constant supply of world-class talent. India now boasts three players in the top six of the open FIDE standard ratings and four in the top 20 of the women`s standard ratings. Such statistics are not merely impressive; they paint a picture of an inevitable era of dominance, a scenario that was once considered a mere pipe dream.
The Future: An All-Indian Throne?
The audacious possibility of an all-Indian World Championship match, a scenario that would have seemed fantastical even a few years ago, is now a tangible prospect. While Gukesh already holds the crown, the mechanisms of qualification suggest that other Indian prodigies, particularly Praggnanandhaa and Erigaisi, have significant opportunities to challenge for the next cycle. Imagine telling Viswanathan Anand in his prime that one day, not only would India produce a World Champion, but that the very throne might be contested solely by players affectionately known as “Vishy`s kids.” It`s a delightful irony, isn`t it?
Anand remains ever-present, a godfather figure watching over this burgeoning generation, perhaps offering a quiet word of wisdom or a knowing nod. His influence, direct and indirect, has cultivated a fearless, driven, and extraordinarily talented cohort ready to carve their names into chess history. The old guard of global chess might still be adjusting to this new reality, but for India, the message is clear: the game, in a powerful and meaningful way, is coming home.
Dominic Ashworth