Shouldn’t We Salute Indian World Chess Champions?

An interesting and absorbing game of Chess owes its origin to Chaturang, an Indian war game of 7th Century. Chaupar, a game akin to it was in vogue among feudal lords in Mahabharat era. Gradually it spread to Arab world through Afghanistan and Persia and took the name of Shatranj. Eventually, it reached Western world by 15th Century. The game was given proper shape by FIDE (Federation Internationale des Echecs) or World Chess Federation, started in Paris on 20th July,1924. It began organising Chess tournaments in different countries.

Chess is not as popular in India as it should have been. It is a physically exhausting and mentally draining exercise. It had been always dominated by players from other countries till our own Vishwanathan Anand arrived on the scene at the age of 15 years in 1984 when he became International Master and later Grand Master in 1988.

WORLD CHESS SCENARIO

At present USA is topmost country in Chess rankings, followed by India, China, Russia and Germany.

Prior to arrival of Anand, likes of Bobby Fisher, Boris Spasky and Gary Kasparov dominated the world Chess stage. Last named was World Chess Champion from 1995 to 2000.

Old time chess greats of India have been : Manuel Aron, B.Ravikumar, Dibyendu Barua and Pravin Mahadev Thipsay. Besides, Abhimanyu Mishra had the distinction to become the youngest International Master at the age of 10 years. Pentala Harikrishna and Krishnan Shashikiran were other notable Grand Masters.

V. ANAND, 5 TIMES WORLD CHAMPION

Vishwanathan Anand made his first mark in 1987 when he won World Junior Chess Championship. By 1999, he climbed to number two world rank behind Gary Kasparov, all time great. This emerging handsome bright jewel from Tamil Nadu, gradually became a household name in the country. With his remarkable hard work and focused attention, he went on to clinch World Men’s Chess championship 5 times : 2000, 2007, 2008, 2010 and 2012. Gap of 7 years between first and second wins is very surprising. It is presumed that Anand may have gained maturity and fine tuned his play with the passage of time.
Prior to his attaining such laurels, India could produce only players upto the levels of International Masters.

DIVYA DESHMUKH, WOMEN’S WORLD CHAMPION

Divya Deshmukh has done us proud by becoming first Indian Woman to win FIDE World Women’s Chess Championship at Batumi, Georgia on 28th July, thus becoming Grand Master also in the process. In 2024 she had bagged World Women’s Junior Chess Championship.

At 19 years, she displayed a rare maturity against the more experienced Chinese players. She defeated Koneru Humpy, fellow Indian and youngest woman Grand Master at the age of 15 years, in a tie breaker after two nerve wracking classical games.

Keeping in view the fact that at 38 years Hampi is double the age of Divya, Humpy ‘s game is more positive and she does not agree to quick draws. She also appears more aggressive. They were two different sets of role models. Final was not only keenly contested, it was basically a clash of generations. Afterall, 107 players from 46 countries had entered the fray.

In view of aforesaid plus points of Humpy, final was incredibly difficult for Divya. But she had no option but to fight. No wonder, she is reported to have said “you have to keep your stamina and have to be resistant”.

Divya, proud off spring of Doctor Parents, began playing chess at 5 years and participating in Chess tournaments at a tender age of 9. She is reported to have stayed focused and displayed a different kind of professionalism due to which she could steadily claim the global ranks.

Upon her victory and becoming 88th Grand Master, she was felicitated by the Maharashtra Chief Minister and given a cash prize of Rs.3 Crore.

She and her parents got a pleasant surprise when Sri K.G. Gavai, the Chief Justice of India visited her Nagpur residence to convey his personal congratulations.

Divya’s age and Humpy’s experience & maturity are likely to take Indian women’s Chess to more dizzy heights.

REIGN OF CHINESE WOMEN

Traditionally Women’s Chess tournaments have been dominated by the Chinese women in the same way as Men’s Chess arena had been dominated by the Russians. Top five spots have been presently occupied by Chinese Women Chess players, such as, Hou Yifan, Ju Wenjun, Lei Tingjie, Tan Zhongyi and Zhu Jiner. Then comes Divya Deshmukh, followed by Koneru Humpy at 6th rank and D.Harika at 12th rank.

GUKESH D., REIGNING WORLD MEN’S CHAMPION

Bagging of World Men’s Chess Championship by Gukesh Dommaraju at the age of 18 years in 2024 was a very important milestone. A World crown returned to India after twelve years. Son of Telugu Doctor Parents but belonging to Chennai like V. Anand, Gukesh is the youngest World Chess Champion and 60th Grand Master. He secured a stunning win over Ding Liren, the reigning World Chess Champion and highly competent player from China. Gukesh bagged the title in 14th and final game held at Singapore. However, R.Praggnanandhaa is ranked higher than Gukesh D. in classical Chess. He is number 4 in World rankings after winning 2025 UzChess Cup.

To a very quiet and unassuming sportsperson, Tamil Nadu Government gave a cash prize of Rs 5 Crores on his historic win. In contrast, Divya Deshmukh has been given a cash prize of Rs 3 Crores, a difference of Rs.2 Crores.

IN RETROSPECT

As on date, India has 85 Grand Masters,124 International Masters, 23 Women Grand Masters and 42 Women International Masters. Top four Men Chess players of the country are R.Praggnanandhaa – Rating of 2779, Gukesh D.-Rating of 2776, Arjun Erigaisi – Rating of 2776 and Vishwanathan Anand – Rating of 2743.

Looking at the performance of other sports persons in International arena, it is a sizeable number.

Therefore, it deserves wide publicity in the media and schools so that those eager to take ancient game of Chess seriously, get the attention they deserve and the stimulus they need. Afterall, studies have also indicated that Chess players tend to score high in I.Q. tests.

Despite notable performances by Indian Chess maestros at International level, Chess continues to be an under rated and under reported event. It finds very little space in newspapers, electronic media or social media as compared to Cricket.

With regret it may be also noted that neither Gukesh Dommaraju nor Divya Deshmukh have been felicitated as yet at the national level either by Ministry of Sports or Prime Minister’s Office. Needless to say, with wind of change, such felicitations had lately become a regular feature in regard to national athletes participating in Olympics, Asian Games and Commonwealth Games.

Hiking of cash award for Olympics, Asiad, & Commonwealth Gold, Silver and Bronze winners by the NCT Government of Delhi recently is not only a silver lining but step in right direction. However, none of the mentioned sports events have Chess as a discipline.

(The author is former Chief Secretary, Sikkim)