The Rise of Indian Chess – From Anand to Praggnanandhaa
For decades, chess in India was little more than a pastime played in parks and clubs. Today it stands as a symbol of Indian intellectual prowess on the global stage. This transformation did not happen overnight. It is a story of visionary role models, relentless young talents and a society slowly awakening to the strategic beauty of the 64 squares. From the quiet brilliance of Viswanathan Anand to the fearless creativity of Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa, Indian chess has undergone a remarkable journey.
Anand: The Spark that Lit the Board
In the late 1980s, a young man from Chennai began making headlines for his lightning-fast moves. Viswanathan Anand, later called the “Lightning Kid,” became India’s first Grandmaster in 1988. More importantly, he gave Indian children a reason to dream. Until Anand arrived, the chess world was dominated by Soviet names, and Indian players rarely featured in elite tournaments. His cool temperament, humble personality and world championship wins from 2000 onwards transformed him into a household name. Anand proved that an Indian could compete – and win – at the very highest level.
The Growth of a Chess Ecosystem
Anand’s success triggered a slow but steady build-up of infrastructure. Schools started chess clubs; state federations began hosting tournaments; and private sponsors emerged to fund promising juniors. Online platforms like ChessBase India and the availability of engines and databases opened doors for learning even in smaller towns. This ecosystem was crucial because it allowed talent to be discovered early, trained systematically and exposed to international competition without prohibitive costs.
By the mid-2010s, India had more than 50 Grandmasters. Today that number has crossed 80, and a significant proportion are teenagers. This demographic shift signals not just isolated brilliance but a pipeline of players ready to challenge the world.
Praggnanandhaa and the New Generation
Among this wave of prodigies, Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa stands out. Becoming a Grandmaster at 12, he broke records that once seemed unreachable. In 2023, he reached the final of the FIDE World Cup, defeating top players including world number two Hikaru Nakamura, and earning the right to play in the Candidates tournament. What makes Praggnanandhaa special is not just his tactical sharpness but his composure under pressure – reminiscent of Anand but combined with the audacity of youth.
He is joined by others like Nihal Sarin, D. Gukesh, Arjun Erigaisi and Vaishali Rameshbabu, Praggnanandhaa’s sister, who are all storming into elite events. For the first time, Indian chess does not rely on a single star; it has a constellation.
Cultural and Educational Impact
The rise of chess is also reshaping Indian culture. Parents increasingly see the game as a tool for discipline, patience and problem-solving. Government schemes and corporate CSR initiatives are funding grassroots chess programs in schools. Online streaming of tournaments and commentary in Indian languages have made chess entertaining for casual fans. As a result, children from towns like Erode, Thrissur or Nagpur can now aspire to world stages without feeling isolated.
Looking Ahead
Indian chess today is at a crossroads. With a pool of prodigies, stronger coaching networks and global visibility, the country could produce its first undisputed world champion since Anand in the next decade. The challenge will be to sustain funding, provide sports-science support, and ensure that young players are not burned out by early expectations.
Yet the trajectory is unmistakable. What began with a single pioneer has grown into a movement. Anand gave Indian chess its credibility; Praggnanandhaa and his peers are giving it depth, colour and audacity. For millions of young Indians, the chessboard is no longer just a game; it is a canvas for ambition
References
https://www.chess.com/blog/TejasKesavamurthy/the-rise-of-indian-chess-from-one-grandmaster-to-a-nation-of-champions?utm
.https://www.onmanorama.com/sports/other-sports/2025/06/30/chess-praggnanandhaa-becomes-india-no1-gukesh-arjun-erigaisi-viswanathan-anand.amp.html
Written by
Mohd Kamran Hasnain
