D Gukesh has capped off an extraordinary 2024 for Indian chess by clinching the World Chess Championship title, an achievement that has propelled him into the spotlight of global chess. At just 18 years old, the Indian Grandmaster defeated China’s Ding Liren in the ultimate showdown held in Singapore, securing his place in history alongside Viswanathan Anand, the five-time World Champion and his illustrious predecessor. Both Gukesh and Anand share a common origin in Chennai, which has long been recognized as the Chess Capital of India, a city that has nurtured multiple generations of world-class chess talent. Gukesh’s remarkable achievement places him in a special league of chess champions, with his victory marking a monumental moment for Indian chess on the global stage.
The significance of Gukesh’s victory extends beyond his personal triumph. It highlights the rich and deeply ingrained chess ecosystem of Tamil Nadu, a state that has consistently produced a steady stream of Grandmasters over the years. The success of Gukesh adds to the remarkable legacy of Chennai, which has witnessed a chess boom since the 1970s, facilitated by a network of institutions, academies, and committed mentors. This ecosystem has created an environment that has propelled Indian chess to global prominence and continues to foster and shape young chess talent, ensuring that the country remains at the forefront of the sport.
During the closing ceremony of the World Championship in Singapore, Gukesh took a moment to express his heartfelt gratitude to his school, Velammal Vidyalaya in Chennai, recalling the humble beginnings of his journey at a summer camp held there. “I would also like to thank my school Velammal. My whole journey started in a summer camp at my school in Chennai. From day one, they have supported me in so many ways,” Gukesh said. The school’s contribution to Chennai’s chess culture is undeniable, and as Gukesh ascended to the pinnacle of global chess, Velammal Vidyalaya celebrated this historic moment as a defining achievement in its storied history of nurturing chess talent and academic excellence.
Velammal Vidyalaya is often seen as the epicenter of Chennai’s chess boom. It is part of a broader trend in the city where institutions, particularly schools, have embraced chess as a critical component of the educational curriculum. In fact, 15 of Tamil Nadu’s 29 Grandmasters have come through Velammal Vidyalaya, cementing its status as a powerhouse of chess talent. One key to this success is the school’s integration of chess into its educational framework. This approach is part of the “7 to 17 initiative,” introduced under former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa in 2013, which ensures that students engage with chess in a structured and consistent way from an early age. This initiative has been instrumental in creating a sustainable and thriving chess culture in Tamil Nadu, which continues to pay dividends with each passing year.
Velammal Vidyalaya also places significant emphasis on competitive exposure for its students, encouraging them to participate in regular tournaments to develop their resilience, mental toughness, and sharpen their skills. The school’s focus on these competitive platforms has paid off, with Velammal teams securing the World School Chess Championship title for five consecutive years. Gukesh and Praggnanandhaa, another rising chess star from Tamil Nadu, were part of the winning team in 2021, demonstrating the quality of training and support the school provides to its students.
The Tamil Nadu government, led by Chief Minister MK Stalin, has been actively supporting the growth of chess in the region, further bolstered by the state’s successful hosting of the 44th Chess Olympiad in 2022. The All India Chess Federation seized the opportunity to bring the prestigious event to Chennai after Moscow lost its hosting rights. The event, hosted in Mamallapuram, was a showcase of Chennai’s chess culture, bringing together the greatest minds in the game, while also giving local players the chance to compete with and learn from the global elite. The successful hosting of this event reaffirmed Chennai’s standing as the global epicenter of chess, and it provided a significant boost to the popularity and recognition of the sport in India.
Indian chess also owes much of its current success to a cadre of Grandmasters who are deeply committed to nurturing the next generation of talent. Viswanathan Anand, in particular, has played a hands-on role in mentoring young players through his Westbridge Anand Chess Academy (WACA), founded in 2020. The academy, inspired by the legendary Botvinnik School of Chess, focuses on identifying and developing India’s brightest prospects. Anand explained earlier this year, “Many players already have strong support systems. What WACA does is to fill in the gaps—whether in coaching, strategy, or logistics.” Anand’s contributions extend beyond coaching, as his presence in the chess community serves as an inspiration to young players who aspire to follow in his footsteps.
WACA’s success is evident in its group of mentees, which includes notable names like Praggnanandhaa and Nihal Sarin. Their consistent performances in global chess tournaments over the past few years highlight the academy’s role in shaping future champions. Gukesh himself expressed his gratitude to WACA during his victory speech, acknowledging the academy’s impact on his career: “I would like to thank my sponsors, Westbridge (Westbridge Anand Chess Academy). They have supported me in so many ways, both financially and emotionally. This is a beautiful moment, and we couldn’t have done it without your help,” he said. The role of Anand and his academy in nurturing Indian talent cannot be overstated, as it provides young players with the necessary resources, mentorship, and strategic guidance to excel on the world stage.
The current generation of Indian chess players is fortunate to have mentors who are deeply invested in their success. Grandmasters like Ramesh, his wife Aarthie Ramaswamy, and Gukesh’s coach Vishnu Prasanna are actively mentoring young players, helping them navigate the challenges of professional chess. This mentorship is a vital element in accelerating the development of emerging talents, providing them with guidance and insights that allow them to avoid common pitfalls. These seasoned mentors serve as pillars of support, helping players rise above the challenges of professional chess and evolve into potential world-beaters.
The landscape of Indian chess has changed dramatically in recent decades. GM Ramesh, a prominent figure in Indian chess, compares the current era to "two different planets" when compared to the pre-2000 period. Back then, Indian players faced significant challenges, including limited access to resources, training, and international exposure. Today, young players benefit from a robust ecosystem that includes world-class facilities, regular international exposure, and a growing pool of experienced mentors. This transformation has played a crucial role in India’s rise as a chess powerhouse, with new talents emerging regularly to compete at the highest levels.
Gukesh’s triumph at the World Chess Championship is a testament to the effectiveness of this ecosystem, which has nurtured his talent from a young age and supported his rise to the top. His victory is not just an individual achievement but a reflection of the collective effort of the chess community in Chennai and Tamil Nadu, which has embraced chess as an integral part of its cultural fabric. The community’s passion, dedication, and support for the sport have created an environment where young chess prodigies like Gukesh can thrive and fulfill their potential.
As Gukesh joins the ranks of world chess champions, the future of Indian chess looks exceptionally bright, with prodigies like Praggnanandhaa, Arjun Erigaisi, Vaishali, and Nihal Sarin all emerging as formidable contenders on the global stage. Indian chess appears poised for a golden generation, driven by a combination of visionary mentors, world-class facilities, and an established chess culture that continues to thrive and evolve. With Gukesh leading the charge, there is no doubt that Indian chess will continue to make waves in the global arena for years to come.
