The murmurs began years ago, faint at first, then growing into a resounding chorus: “The `children` of Vishy Anand are on the loose!” These weren`t literal progeny, of course, but the strategic and intellectual offspring of Viswanathan Anand, India`s venerable Grandmaster and five-time World Champion. When Garry Kasparov, a man whose word carries seismic weight in the chess world, reiterated this sentiment, first upon Gukesh Dommaraju`s Candidates victory and then his World Championship triumph, it became an undeniable truth. Global chess is no longer merely contending with India; it`s entering an era where Indian talent is setting the pace.
The Maestro`s Enduring Influence
For decades, Viswanathan Anand stood as India`s solitary beacon in the highest echelons of chess. He was the exception, the prodigious anomaly who shattered the European and Russian dominance. His brilliance was individual, a testament to singular genius. Yet, as the years progressed, Anand transitioned from active contender to an invaluable mentor, an accessible “godfather” figure whose mere presence inspires a generation. The image of young Indian talents, barely past their childhood, receiving trophies from Anand himself, isn`t just a photo opportunity; it`s a profound symbol of a torch being passed, or rather, a furnace being stoked.
The Vanguard of a New Era
The current landscape of global chess is undeniably painted with Indian hues. Each major tournament now features a strong contingent of young players from the subcontinent, not just participating, but fiercely competing for top honors. Consider the recent seismic shifts:
- Gukesh Dommaraju: His ascent to the World Championship title was nothing short of extraordinary. The youngest player in the Candidates tournament, and largely out-rated, Gukesh displayed a startling lack of reverence for established reputations. He faced down Fabiano Caruana, Hikaru Nakamura, and Ian Nepomniachtchi with an audacious style that refused to settle for draws. His victory over Ding Liren, achieved by relentlessly pushing positions that most would consider drawn, encapsulates the fearless spirit of this new generation. He didn`t just win; he conquered by sheer force of will.
- Divya Deshmukh: Fresh off her triumph at the FIDE Women`s World Cup in Batumi, Georgia, Divya is another prime example. Her victory, culminating in an all-Indian final against Koneru Humpy, shattered historical precedents. For over three decades, women`s chess has largely been a Chinese stronghold, with their champions dominating for 25 of those 34 years. Divya, with her tenacious endgame play – even when struggling to close out positions – demonstrated that this young Indian contingent cares little for established historical narratives. Her win not only secured the biggest prize of her career but also earned her the coveted Grandmaster title, marking her as a formidable force for years to come.
Beyond these two champions, the depth is astonishing. R Praggnanandhaa continues to solidify his position, pushing the boundaries of classical chess. Arjun Erigaisi has proven his mettle in faster time controls, narrowly missing top spots at events like the eSports World Cup and the World Rapid Championships. Nihal Sarin, renowned for his lightning speed and online prowess, is diligently translating that formidable quick-thinking to over-the-board success. This diversity in strengths – from classical endurance to rapid-fire brilliance – makes India`s collective threat multi-faceted and difficult to counter.
The “Conveyor Belt” Phenomenon
This unprecedented surge is no accident. It`s the result of a nurturing environment, dedicated coaching, increased access to international training, and perhaps most crucially, the inspirational ripple effect of Anand`s initial breakthrough. India now boasts an impressive “conveyor belt” of talent, constantly producing new Grandmasters and International Masters. This systematic development is evidenced by the fact that India currently has three players in the top six of the open FIDE standard ratings, and four in the top 20 of the women`s standard ratings. With talents like Vidit Gujrathi and Aravindh Chithambaram also on the cusp of the top 20, the idea of an era of Indian dominance is no longer a “pipe dream,” but a rapidly unfolding reality.
Challenging the Chess Hierarchy
The impact of this influx of Indian talent is profoundly reshaping the global chess hierarchy. Where once a handful of nations dominated, India is rapidly becoming a primary force, challenging established powerhouses. The notion of an all-Indian World Championship match, perhaps as early as 2026, is no longer a fantastical conjecture but a very real and exciting possibility. Dismissing such a prospect would be, quite simply, unwise.
Imagine telling Vishy Anand at his peak that one day he would see an India vs India World Championship match, and it would be between players dubbed `Vishy`s kids`. Actually, imagine being gutsy enough to even think it. It may or may not happen in 2026, but dismissing the possibility of it happening isn`t very wise.
A Future Forged in Skill and Ambition
The future of global chess, it seems, is increasingly Indian. These young players, with their blend of raw talent, strategic depth, and unyielding determination, are not just participants; they are protagonists. They are pushing the boundaries of what is possible, challenging the old guard, and injecting a fresh, dynamic energy into the game. With Viswanathan Anand still actively involved, observing and guiding from the sidelines as a true patriarch, the foundation for sustained excellence has been firmly laid.
To paraphrase a popular sentiment, but with a uniquely Indian twist: Chess isn`t just coming home; it`s being built anew, brick by strategic brick, on Indian soil, by the brilliant minds of Vishy`s extraordinary children.
Finley Holt