India’s Chess Dominance: Unraveling Why the West Struggles to Compete

The West often feels uneasy about India’s rise. For years, it viewed India as a place where talent leaves, stuck in the shadows of its colonial past. But now, as India emerges with confidence and ambition, the West seems unsettled.

Chess, our beloved game, has long been a symbol of strategy and intellect. It all began in India, known then as Chaturang, and made its way through Persia to Europe. However, it was in Russia where chess truly flourished, thanks in part to Lenin’s push for education and intellectual growth. From 1948 to 1972, every World Champion hailed from the Soviet Union, showcasing their grip on the sport.

The Cold War molded chess into a battlefield, most notably during the famous match between Boris Spassky and Bobby Fischer. That rivalry highlighted chess as a significant player on the global stage. However, recent events—like the invasion of Ukraine—have shifted power dynamics in the chess world. Russia is losing its former dominance, and the U.S. is eyeing a chance to claim the top spot.

Meanwhile, India has quietly built its chess reputation over the past 30 years, led by the legendary Viswanathan Anand. He not only became the first Indian grandmaster but also opened doors for countless others. Today, India boasts 89 Grandmasters, and Anand’s influence has inspired a new generation.

During the pandemic, chess gained immense popularity, especially among the youth. YouTube personalities and platforms like ChessBase India made the game more accessible. The 2022 Chess Olympiad held in India was a significant event, with India winning bronze medals and individual golds, signaling its growing prowess.

Fast forward to 2024, and India made headlines at the 45th Chess Olympiad in Budapest, claiming victory in both open and women’s categories. Gukesh, one of the young stars, delivered an exceptional performance, solidifying India’s status in chess.

When Gukesh became the youngest Chess World Champion, the applause was global, but Western commentators reacted with unease. For nearly a decade, Magnus Carlsen was seen as unbeatable, and now that he’s stepped back, younger players like Gukesh and Praggnanandha are rising fast.

In women’s chess, India’s talent continues to grow. With players like Divya, Vaishali, and Harika, the competition is fierce. Western players have faced a similar struggle—they’ve gone from dominating to now having to compete with a new wave of talent from India.

Some Western commentators have dismissed Gukesh’s successes, attributing them to luck rather than skill. For instance, Hikaru Nakamura’s playful jab after Gukesh’s win over Carlsen suggested Gukesh made “lucky moves,” while others have commented on his strategy. These reactions reveal a deeper concern within the West about India’s chess dominance.

But does it really matter to these young talents? They are focused on their game and undeterred by outside opinions. Their goal is to entertain and inspire, and they’re doing it in style. The chessboard is their stage, and they are ready to change the game.

Source link

chess,Gukesh,India