Chennai’s Chess Legacy: Vijayalakshmi Celebrates India’s Supremacy and Future in the Game
Chennai: Chess Pioneer Vijayalakshmi Declares India’s Supremacy in the Game
Chennai, India – In a spirited conversation with PTI, Subbaraman Vijayalakshmi, the trailblazing chess player who became the first Indian woman to earn both the International Master (IM) and Women’s Grandmaster (WGM) titles, expressed her unwavering belief in India’s dominance in the chess world. “We are the strongest chess-playing nation in the world, and we are going to become even stronger,” she asserted, highlighting Chennai’s pivotal role in this chess revolution.
Vijayalakshmi, now 47, reminisced about the roots of India’s chess legacy, tracing it back to pioneers like Manuel Aaron, the country’s first IM, and Vishwanathan Anand, the first Indian Grandmaster. “All three of us hail from Chennai,” she noted, emphasizing the city’s significance in nurturing chess talent.
The chess landscape in India has evolved dramatically, with emerging stars like Gukesh, Pragnanandha, and Vaishali making headlines. “It’s like a crop that is continuously growing,” Vijayalakshmi observed, attributing this growth to the foundational work laid by earlier players. “This was the kind of basement that was laid, making it easier for new players to pick up the game.”
Reflecting on her own journey, Vijayalakshmi shared her near-miss in achieving the Grandmaster title, having secured four GM norms but falling short by just two rating points. “It’s so near yet so far,” she lamented, yet she remains optimistic about making a comeback. “I believe I can still achieve that GM title in the next few years,” she said, hinting at her plans to re-enter the competitive chess scene.
Vijayalakshmi’s departure from the sport at the peak of her career was deeply personal. The passing of her father and coach in 2007 left an indelible mark on her life, making it challenging to return to the chessboard. “It was probably the most difficult phase of my life,” she recalled, describing how the memories overwhelmed her during public appearances.
Despite her hiatus, Vijayalakshmi remains a beacon of hope for the future of Indian chess. She expressed confidence in Vaishali’s potential to win the world title, noting, “If that happens, we will have both men’s and women’s world champions.”
As the chess community eagerly awaits the next chapter in Indian chess, Vijayalakshmi’s insights and experiences serve as a reminder of the rich legacy and bright future that lies ahead for this sport in the country.