Gukesh D surpassed Vishwanathan Anand to become the highest-rated Indian Chess player. He also won the 2024 FIDE Candidates Tournament, securing a spot to challenge for the World Chess Championship.
Praggnanandhaa made waves, finishing third in the Norway 2024 tournament and defeating the former world champion Magnus Carlsen.
Divya Deshmukh has made significant strides, breaking into the top 25 women globally after a strong performance at the 7th Sharjah Challengers 2024
Arjun Erigasi briefly climbed to #5 in the world rankings after being undefeated and securing victory in the Meroca Open.

You might have come across these writings on various media channels, highlighting the remarkable achievements of Indian players in global tournaments. This increased media coverage reflects the resurgence and growing popularity of Indian Chess.

Chess is about to become India’s next big sport.

Here are the reasons why:

Rising Talent and Global Recognition

Prominent Players: Viswanathan Anand, a five-time World Chess Champion, inspired a generation of chess enthusiasts. Young prodigies like Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa, Nihal Sarin, Gukesh D, and Divya Deshmukh have shown exceptional talent, winning international accolades and putting India on the global chess map.

Institutional Support

All India Chess Federation (AICF): The AICF has been instrumental in promoting chess nationwide. Initiatives like the Chess in Schools program aim to introduce chess at the grassroots level, integrating it into the school curriculum to foster early interest.
State Support: States like Tamil Nadu and Gujarat have been particularly proactive in promoting chess, with Tamil Nadu being known as the chess powerhouse of India, producing numerous grandmasters and international masters.

Technological Advancements

Online Platforms: Chess.com and Lichess have partnered with Indian organizations to host tournaments and training sessions. The growth of online chess during the COVID-19 pandemic, with events like the Online Olympiad, where India was declared joint winners with Russia, has further spurred interest.
Chess Streaming: The rise of Indian Chess streamers like Samay Raina and the ChessBase India YouTube channel have popularized chess among the youth. Live streams, tutorials, and interactive sessions have made learning and engaging with chess more appealing and accessible.

Societal Factors

Educational Benefits: Recognizing the cognitive benefits of chess, many Indian schools have started chess programs. Chess is seen as a tool to enhance memory, concentration, and problem-solving skills, making it a desirable activity for students.
Increased Participation: Chess is becoming more prevalent in schools and clubs, with increased participation in local, national, and international tournaments. This broad-based participation is fostering a strong chess culture in India.

Corporate Sponsorship and Media Coverage

Corporate Support: Companies like Microsense Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) and Zerodha have sponsored Indian chess players, providing financial stability and resources for training and development. Tata Steel Chess India, an elite tournament, has also gained international recognition.
Media Attention: Increased coverage by sports channels and digital media platforms, highlighting Indian chess successes and broadcasting significant tournaments, has helped popularize the game, too.

The remarkable rise of chess in India is a testament to the nation’s deep-rooted connection to the game, its dedication to nurturing young talent, and the strategic efforts of various institutions and mentors that will ensure Indian chess is thriving.