Magnus Carlsen on India’s Chess Revolution, Future of Chess, and Facing Young Indian Talent: Exclusive Interview with The Indian Express
Five-time World Champion Magnus Carlsen, known for his dominance in the world of chess, recently found himself in a unique position at the Superbet Rapid and Blitz Poland event. Not only was he the oldest player in the field, but he was also facing off against three talented Indian players in the 10-man lineup. This occurrence highlighted the changing landscape of chess, with an increasing number of Indian players making their mark on the international stage and a trend towards younger competitors.
In an exclusive interview with The Indian Express ahead of the Norway Chess tournament, Carlsen shared his thoughts on India’s chess revolution and the rising talent coming out of the country. He expressed his excitement about facing off against the best players in the world at the upcoming tournament and discussed the appeal of recent events like the Casablanca Chess event and the Freestyle G.O.A.T Chess event.
When asked about Elon Musk’s prediction that chess could be fully solved in 10 years, Carlsen remained skeptical, citing the complexity of the game and the ongoing advancements in chess theory. He also reflected on his experience at the Superbet Rapid and Blitz tournament, where he embraced the challenge of competing against a younger generation of players, including the talented Indian contingent.
Carlsen praised the calculation skills of Indian players across different generations, from legends like Viswanathan Anand to rising stars like D Gukesh and R Praggnanandhaa. He highlighted the strength of the current generation of Indian players and expressed his admiration for their competitive spirit and dedication to the game.
As he prepares to face off against top players at the Norway Chess tournament, Carlsen remains focused on honing his skills and testing his abilities against the best in the world. With a deep respect for the game and a passion for competition, Carlsen continues to inspire and challenge the next generation of chess players, both in India and around the globe.