Chess, often perceived as a quiet, cerebral battle confined to hushed halls, has of late begun to roar. This new, vibrant sound is emanating unmistakably from India, echoing across the global stage. It’s a phenomenon so profound that none other than Garry Kasparov, a titan of the game, has declared, “The `children` of Vishy Anand are on the loose!” and subsequently, “The era of `Vishy`s children` is truly upon us!” These pronouncements, made as young Indian grandmasters seized top honors, encapsulate a remarkable shift: the quiet rise of a new chess dynasty.
The Legacy of the Pioneer
For decades, Viswanathan Anand stood as India`s solitary, shining beacon in the elite echelons of chess. A five-time World Champion, his brilliance carved a path where none existed. Today, he’s less a solitary star and more a gravitational center, a godfather figure nurturing a generation of prodigies. These “children,” while not literal offspring, are undeniably products of the environment he helped cultivate—an ecosystem where chess is not just a game, but a national obsession, a path to glory, and a rigorous academic pursuit.
Gukesh: A King Crowned in Youth
The most striking testament to this new era arrived with the crowning of Gukesh Dommaraju as the World Champion. In 2024, at an age when many are just contemplating their university majors, Gukesh not only triumphed at the Candidates tournament—a field dominated by seasoned masters like Fabiano Caruana, Hikaru Nakamura, and Ian Nepomniachtchi—but went on to defeat reigning champion Ding Liren for the world title. His fearless approach, a refusal to settle for draws even in seemingly dead-even positions, highlights the audacious spirit characteristic of this generation. One might wonder if the traditional cautiousness of grandmasters feels a bit quaint when faced with such youthful zeal.
Divya Deshmukh: Breaking the Stronghold
The dominance isn`t limited to the open category. Just recently, at the FIDE Women`s World Cup in Batumi, Georgia, Divya Deshmukh etched her name into history. She emerged victorious from an all-Indian final against the formidable Koneru Humpy, securing the biggest prize of her career and achieving the Grandmaster title. This victory is particularly significant, as women`s chess has historically been a Chinese stronghold for over three decades. Divya`s win, much like Gukesh`s, showcased a tenacious refusal to yield, pushing through tough endgames even when the finishing touches proved elusive. It`s a pragmatic idealism: the odds may be challenging, but perseverance often tips the scales.
A Deep Bench of Talent
Beyond these sensational victories, India`s chess “conveyor belt” continues to churn out exceptional talent. The statistics speak volumes: three Indian players now grace the top six of the FIDE standard ratings in the open category, with four in the top 20 of the women`s standard ratings. Players like R Praggnanandhaa, Arjun Erigaisi, and Nihal Sarin are not merely participants; they are contenders. Praggnanandhaa is poised for further advancements through the FIDE circuit, while Erigaisi has demonstrated his prowess in faster time controls, battling giants like Alireza Firouzja and Hikaru Nakamura. Nihal Sarin, too, is known for his lightning-fast speed, honed in online chess, which he is steadily translating to over-the-board triumphs.
This widespread talent suggests not just a lucky streak, but a profound cultural shift. An era of Indian dominance isn`t merely a pipe dream; it`s rapidly becoming an undeniable reality.
The Indian Way: Fearless and Unyielding
What unites these young players, beyond their nationality and incredible talent, is a distinct approach to the game. They play with an almost palpable lack of fear, an eagerness to complicate positions, and an unwavering drive to win, even when conventional wisdom might suggest a simpler path to a draw. It`s a refreshing departure from the sometimes-stagnant waters of elite chess, infusing the game with dynamism and excitement. One might humorously observe that these youngsters haven`t quite grasped the concept of “playing it safe” — a trait that, for now, seems to be serving them rather well.
Imagining the Future: An All-Indian World Final?
The thought of an all-Indian World Championship final, once a fantastical notion that might have elicited a wry smile from a peak Vishy Anand, is now a tantalizingly plausible scenario. With multiple Indian players consistently reaching the highest echelons of global events, the question is no longer “if” but “when.” In 2026, or perhaps even sooner, we might witness two of “Vishy`s children” battling for the ultimate crown. Such a spectacle would not just be a testament to individual brilliance but a monumental validation of an entire nation`s collective chess ambition.
Conclusion: Chess Is Coming Home
Viswanathan Anand, still actively involved as a mentor and observer, watches over this burgeoning generation as they exert their dominance. From Gukesh`s world title to Divya`s World Cup triumph, and the consistent performances of a dozen others, the narrative is clear: India has arrived. The global chessboard is no longer defined by traditional strongholds alone. To paraphrase a popular sentiment, but with a distinctly Indian flavor, chess, in spirit and prowess, is undeniably coming home.
Dominic Ashworth