India’s Rising Chess Dominance: A Look Back at History and a Glimpse into the Future
India’s Rising Chess Dominance: A Look Back at the Sport’s History and Future Potential
In the 1930s, the United States was a powerhouse in chess, winning quadruple Olympiad gold and establishing itself as the leading chess nation in the world. However, in September 1945, the tables turned when the US faced off against the Soviet Union in a ‘radio’ match. The Russians emerged victorious with a resounding 15.5 to 4.5 win, marking the beginning of their dominance in the sport for nearly five decades.
Fast forward to the present day, and India is making waves in the world of chess. With a recent crushing win in the Olympiad, the country is on the brink of a similar era of dominance. Leading the charge is 18-year-old D. Gukesh, a potential world champion who is set to face off against China’s Ding Liren for the title in November. Gukesh currently holds the No. 4 spot in the world rankings, with Arjun Erigaisi close behind at No. 5.
In the women’s category, Koneru Humpy ranks sixth in the world, with Divya Deshmukh not far behind at No. 11. This success can be traced back to Viswanathan Anand, India’s first Grandmaster in 1988, who paved the way for the country’s chess revolution. With 84 Grandmasters added since Anand’s historic achievement, India’s chess scene is thriving.
Former world champion Garry Kasparov recently acknowledged Anand’s pivotal role in Indian chess, stating, “Vishy’s children are all grown up, and chess is coming home.” The sport, which is now vying for a spot in the Olympics, has deep roots in India, where it was invented.
As India’s chess stars continue to shine on the global stage, calls have been made to honor Anand with the Bharat Ratna, the nation’s highest civilian award. Anand, still ranked No. 11 in the world at 55, embodies the qualities of a true sportsman and has inspired a new generation of chess players in India.
Despite the country’s success in chess, cricket still dominates the media landscape in India. However, with the growing popularity of chess and the establishment of more academies, the sport is poised to become India’s next big thing. As chess makes its way back home, the future looks bright for Indian chess players and fans alike.