Indian Youngsters Take Over World Chess Scene, One Move at a Time

Young prodigies from India are heralding a new era in the world chess scene, one move at a time. With their strategic brilliance, unwavering determination, and boundless potential, players like D. Gukesh, Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa, and Arjun Erigaisi, are slowly and steadily rising through the ranks leaving an indelible spot for the country right at the top.

Gone are the days when Viswanathan Anand was the lone face of the sport for India. The country now has nearly 100 grandmasters (GMs) up from a mere 20 in 2007. It has around 50,000 registered players and at least a million playing local tournaments across the country. 

The Origins:

Originating in ancient India around the 6th century, chess, known as "Chaturanga," quickly spread across the globe, captivating players of all ages and backgrounds. Literally "four divisions of the military," Chaturanga represented a battlefield simulation, with pieces representing different components of the ancient Indian army. Over time, the game spread to Persia, where it underwent further modifications before eventually reaching Europe and the rest of the world.

Fast forward to the present day, India finds itself at the forefront of a chess renaissance, with a new generation of young talents revolutionizing the global chess scene. 

The Rise of Indian Youngsters:

In recent years, India has witnessed a chess revolution, fueled by a new generation of prodigious talents who have taken the international chess scene by storm. Among these rising stars are players like Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa, D. Gukesh, and Arjun Erigaisi, whose meteoric rise has captivated the chess world. The trio features among the top-30 in the Fide ranking and has an Elo rating of 2,700 considered to be the benchmark for elite players. The Elo rating system measures the relative strength of a player compared to the other players in sports like chess.   

Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa, affectionately known as "Pragg," burst onto the scene with his remarkable talent and unwavering determination. At just 10 years old, Pragg became the youngest International Master in history, followed by achieving the title of Grand Master at the age of 12, making him the youngest grandmaster in Indian chess history. His strategic brilliance and fearless approach to the game have earned him accolades and admiration from chess enthusiasts worldwide, positioning him as one of India's brightest chess prospects. 

Similarly, D. Gukesh, another rising star from India, has been making waves with his exceptional talent and tenacity. Gukesh's journey to chess greatness began at a young age, and he quickly rose through the ranks to become a grandmaster at just 12 years old. In 2023, he surpassed Viswanathan Anand to become the top-ranked Indian chess player in the published ratings. He was also the youngest to achieve an Elo rating of 2750.  His intuitive understanding of the game and fearless attitude on the board have earned him praise from seasoned grandmasters and fans alike.

Joining Pragg and Gukesh is Arjun Erigaisi. Arjun's journey to chess stardom began at a young age, and he quickly distinguished himself with his strategic prowess and unwavering determination. At just 15 years old, Arjun achieved the title of grandmaster, further cementing his place among India's brightest chess prospects. As of April this year, he is India's highest ranked player.

Experts attribute the rapid rise of Indian youngsters in the international chess scene mainly to the growing access to modern technologies, live simulations and even online tournaments. During the pandemic times, more than 10,000 people participated in virtual tournaments across the country. 

The Way Forward:

The success of Indian youngsters on the international chess stage has not only brought glory to their homeland but has also inspired a new generation of young players to pursue their passion for the game. Their achievements serve as a testament to the talent, determination, and hard work that have propelled them to the top of the chess world. It has inspired greater interest and participation in the game across the country. Chess clubs and academies have proliferated, providing aspiring players with the resources and support they need to hone their skills and compete at the highest levels.