Indian chess witnessed a watershed moment at the Chess Olympiad as the national team delivered what many call the best performance in the tournament’s history. Legendary grandmaster Viswanathan Anand was among the first to laud the team’s achievement, calling it a “new era” for Indian chess. The performance not only highlighted the growing prowess of Indian players on the global stage but also solidified India as a force to be reckoned with in the world of chess.
Anand’s High Praise for Team India
Five-time World Chess Champion Vishy Anand, often regarded as the torchbearer of Indian chess, expressed immense pride in the team’s dominant run. “This is not just a great performance; it’s historic. I’ve never seen such a strong showing by our players at the Chess Olympiad,” said Anand, who has long been a mentor and inspiration for many of the current players. He emphasized how India’s triumph wasn’t just about winning medals but about the consistency and determination the players displayed throughout the tournament. “Their preparation, strategy, and resilience were on full display, and it’s clear that Indian chess is entering a golden era,” Anand added, beaming with pride.
Team India’s Unmatched Performance
India’s performance at the Chess Olympiad was nothing short of remarkable. The team, led by seasoned players and supported by a new generation of young talents, consistently outplayed some of the top chess-playing nations in the world. The combination of youthful energy and veteran experience created a powerful synergy that few could match. In particular, the spotlight fell on players like Arjun Erigaisi and R. Praggnanandhaa, who demonstrated exceptional skills and mental fortitude in high-pressure matches. Arjun’s strategic mastery in the middle game and Praggnanandhaa’s fearless approach to taking on higher-ranked players drew praise from commentators and fans alike. India’s rise in the chess world is no overnight success. The country has been investing in the game for years, with more young players entering the international circuit and receiving world-class coaching. Anand, who has played a pivotal role in nurturing this new talent pool, reflected on the growth: “What we are seeing today is the result of years of hard work, from the grassroots level to the international stage. These players are not just representing themselves but the hopes of a billion people.”
Chess Gains Popularity in India
The remarkable Olympiad performance has further fueled the growing interest in chess within India. What was once considered a niche sport has now captured the attention of young enthusiasts across the country, especially after the rise of talents like Anand, Humpy Koneru, and players like Gukesh and Nihal Sarin. With India’s chess federation focusing on the development of young players through training programs and tournaments, the future looks bright. Anand believes that the surge in interest will only grow: “I’ve seen more and more kids picking up chess, and with the kind of success we are witnessing, it’s inspiring a whole new generation.”
The Road Ahead
With this historic Chess Olympiad performance, India has firmly cemented its place as a chess powerhouse. Anand hopes that the momentum will continue and that India will soon dominate at world championship levels as well. As the team looks ahead to future tournaments, there’s no doubt that the country’s chess stars will continue to rise, making India proud on the global stage.
We’ve shown that we can compete with the best, and I have no doubt that Indian chess will continue to scale new heights in the years to come.