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D Gukesh, at just 18 years old, has etched his name into the annals of Indian chess history by clinching the 2024 World Chess Championship. In a nail-biting final held in Singapore, Gukesh defeated China’s reigning champion Ding Liren, making him the second Indian to claim this prestigious title. Gukesh’s victory is not just a personal milestone but also a testament to the thriving chess culture of Chennai, a city now synonymous with excellence in the sport.
Chennai: Cradle of Indian Chess Champions
The city of Chennai, often referred to as the Chess Capital of India, has long been a hotbed for nurturing chess talent. Its reputation as a chess powerhouse began in the 1970s, with the rise of institutions dedicated to training young minds. Viswanathan Anand, a five-time World Champion and Gukesh’s predecessor, was the first to put Chennai on the global chess map. Now, Gukesh has carried forward this illustrious legacy, making Chennai the breeding ground for not one but two world champions.
The statistics are staggering: Tamil Nadu alone has produced 29 of India’s 84 Grandmasters, with Chennai leading the charge. Among these, Velammal Vidyalaya stands out as a key chess incubator, having groomed 15 Grandmasters, including Gukesh himself.
Velammal Vidyalaya: The Chess Factory
Gukesh’s chess journey began at a summer camp in Velammal Vidyalaya, a school that has played a pivotal role in Chennai’s chess boom. The school’s structured approach integrates chess into its educational framework, ensuring that young talents develop a strong foundation. Its students regularly participate in tournaments, gaining valuable exposure and building resilience.
This commitment has paid rich dividends, with Velammal’s teams winning the World School Chess Championship for five consecutive years. Gukesh and fellow prodigy Praggnanandhaa were part of the winning squad in 2021, a testament to the school’s consistent excellence.
State and Institutional Support for Chess
The Tamil Nadu government has played a proactive role in fostering a chess-friendly ecosystem. Initiatives like the “7 to 17 Chess Programme,” launched in 2013, introduced chess training to school curriculums, ensuring widespread engagement from a young age. Events like the 44th Chess Olympiad in Mamallapuram in 2022 further showcased Tamil Nadu’s commitment to the sport.
The government’s support extends to financial incentives as well. Chief Minister MK Stalin announced a ₹5 crore reward for Gukesh after his victory, underscoring the value placed on sporting achievements in the state.
Grandmasters as Mentors: A Self-Sustaining Ecosystem
Chennai’s dominance in chess is not solely due to institutions but also its cadre of Grandmasters who actively mentor the next generation. Icons like Viswanathan Anand have launched initiatives such as the Westbridge Anand Chess Academy (WACA). Drawing inspiration from the legendary Botvinnik School of Chess, WACA has become a vital training ground for India’s brightest talents, including Gukesh, Praggnanandhaa, and Nihal Sarin.
Similarly, mentors like GM Ramesh, Women’s GM Aarthie Ramaswamy, and Gukesh’s coach GM Vishnu Prasanna have ensured that young talents receive top-notch guidance. Their involvement spares players the hardships faced by previous generations, accelerating their growth on the global stage.
The Dawn of a Golden Generation in Indian Chess
With Gukesh leading the charge, Indian chess is experiencing a renaissance. Prodigies like Praggnanandhaa, Arjun Erigaisi, Vaishali, and Nihal Sarin are redefining the global chess landscape. Grandmaster Ramesh likens the current ecosystem to “two different planets” compared to the pre-2000 era when players had limited access to resources and opportunities.
This transformation has been years in the making, built on a foundation of visionary leadership, dedicated mentors, and an unyielding passion for chess. Gukesh’s victory is a culmination of this collective effort, proving that a robust support system can produce world-beaters.
Conclusion
D Gukesh’s World Chess Championship triumph is not just his personal success but a celebration of Chennai’s extraordinary chess culture. From the grassroots initiatives at Velammal Vidyalaya to the mentorship of legends like Anand, Chennai’s chess ecosystem has proven its mettle once again. As India’s second world champion, Gukesh represents the dawn of a new era for Indian chess, inspiring a nation to dream bigger and aim higher in the global arena.
