Indian Chess: A New Era of Global Dominance

India’s chess journey has reached a remarkable milestone with Gukesh D becoming the new world chess champion after defeating China’s Ding Liren in a gripping final held last week. This historic achievement has sent waves of joy and pride through the Indian chess community, marking a golden chapter in the nation’s chess history. It is a moment of immense celebration for a country that is not only the birthplace of chess but is now reclaiming its position as a global powerhouse in the sport.

The Roots of Indian Chess
India is the birthplace of chess, tracing its origins back to the 6th century with the game of Chaturanga. Played on an 8x8 grid, it laid the foundation for modern chess as we know it today. The ancient game symbolized strategy and intellect and was an integral part of Indian culture. From its origins, chess spread to Persia, then to Europe, and eventually became the globally recognized sport it is today.

Despite this historical significance, India wasn’t recognized as a global chess powerhouse until much later. That began to change in 1988 when Viswanathan Anand became India’s first Grandmaster (GM), sparking a chess revolution in the country. Anand’s dynamic style and extraordinary success—including five World Chess Championship titles—made him a household name and inspired countless youngsters to pursue the game.

Rising Stars and Grassroots Growth
Since Anand’s rise, India’s chess community has expanded rapidly. The All India Chess Federation (AICF) has played a key role in nurturing young talent through training camps, tournaments, and collaborations with international chess bodies. The accessibility of online chess platforms and the success of Anand have also contributed to the game's immense popularity.

As of today, India boasts more than 80 Grandmasters, including teenage sensations like Gukesh D, Praggnanandhaa R, Nihal Sarin, and Arjun Erigaisi, who have already taken the global chess circuit by storm. These prodigies represent a new generation of fearless players who have no hesitation in challenging seasoned champions from around the world.

The Cherished New Moment: Gukesh D Becomes World Champion
The recent crowning of Gukesh D as the world chess champion is a watershed moment in the nation’s chess history. At just 18 years old, Gukesh defeated China’s Ding Liren, the previous world champion, in an intense championship match held last week. This victory not only makes Gukesh the youngest Indian to win the world chess title but also cements India’s status as a chess superpower.

Following in Viswanathan Anand’s footsteps, Gukesh’s triumph symbolizes the fruition of decades of hard work, systematic coaching, and a growing chess culture in India. The victory is celebrated not just for its historical significance but also for the message it sends to young players: India is now at the forefront of world chess.

Memorable Milestones for Indian Chess
Viswanathan Anand’s World Championships (2000–2012): Anand remains an enduring symbol of Indian chess, with five world titles and countless prestigious tournament victories.
Chess Olympiad 2022 in Chennai: India hosted the prestigious tournament, where the young Indian B team won a bronze medal, demonstrating the depth of talent in the country.
Praggnanandhaa’s Rise (2023): The young Grandmaster defeated reigning world champion Magnus Carlsen multiple times in online tournaments, signaling India’s future dominance.
The Rise of Gukesh D: In 2023, Gukesh became India’s highest-rated player, overtaking Anand’s rating, which had remained unmatched for nearly four decades.
Gukesh D’s World Championship Win (2024): With his victory over Ding Liren, Gukesh has become the second Indian ever to win the World Chess Championship, following in Anand’s illustrious footsteps.
Looking Ahead: The Golden Era of Indian Chess
The chess community in India is witnessing its golden era. With Gukesh D’s historic victory, young prodigies excelling on global stages, and a nation of aspiring players inspired by these successes, Indian chess is on an unstoppable trajectory.

Gukesh’s triumph reinforces the belief that chess is more than a game; it’s a symbol of India’s intellectual prowess and ability to shine on the global stage. 

India, the land where chess was born, has now firmly reclaimed its position as a world leader in the sport, and the world is taking notice.