AA Edit | A chess king on the rise
Praggnanandhaa's journey as youngest finalist didn't culminate in triumph against Magnus Carlsen but has proved that he's a king in waiting
In the realm of chess, where strategic brilliance and calculated moves hold the utmost importance, the past few years have witnessed a remarkable surge of young Indian players, who the maestro Viswanathan Anand refers to as the “Golden Generation”.
The recently concluded FIDE World Cup in Baku, Azerbaijan, marked a watershed moment as the Indian representation accounted for an unprecedented 50 per cent of the quarterfinal spots. With a tongue-twisting name which could prove to be a nightmare even for a spelling bee champ, Praggnanandhaa’s remarkable journey as the youngest finalist didn't culminate in a triumph against the formidable Magnus Carlsen, but the wunderkind has proved that he is a king in waiting.
Pragg’s meteoric rise from the world's youngest International Master to securing a place in the prestigious Candidates tournament, which will identify the next challenger to the world champion, speaks volumes about the dedication and single-minded approach, not just by himself but also from the entire family, to achieve excellence. Unlike kids his age, Pragg refrains from social media distractions — watching Tamil comedy clips is his only occasional indulgence.
D. Gukesh, who overtook Anand as India’s No.1 during the course of the tournament in Baku, has been rated as one of the finest in the classical format, and Carlsen didn't have any qualms admitting that the quarterfinal meeting with the Indian was his toughest match.
The array of milestones achieved in the Azerbaijan capital indicates a shift in eras with the likes of Anand and Harikrishna handing over the baton to the prodigious teen talents of Pragg, Gukesh, and Arjun Erigaisi. The transition is propelling Indian chess into an era of unmatched prominence reminiscent of Soviet Russia’s dominance in an earlier era.
Similar to the Soviet chess era, the proliferation of academies, access to resources, and more importantly, mentorship from icons have proven instrumental in shaping the new generation. The digital age has also played a pivotal role in democratising access to resources and training.
Online platforms and tutorials have made it possible for even the most remote chess enthusiasts to learn and compete with players from around the world. Chess was the only sport that not only survived but thrived during the pandemic, with players competing in online tournaments.
India's success in chess also mirrors the country’s cultural emphasis on education and intellectual pursuits. Chess is perceived not merely as a game but as a vehicle for cognitive development and critical thinking.