India has emerged as a formidable force in global chess, propelled by the extraordinary achievements of its young talents. D Gukesh’s historic World Championship victory, Koneru Humpy’s second World Rapid Chess Championship title, and Divya Deshmukh’s Grandmaster (GM) title have cemented India’s status as a chess superpower. According to GM Srinath Narayanan, the rise of chess in India is fueled by technology, smartphones, and increased accessibility, creating a fertile ground for nurturing prodigious talent. He compares the current generation to a “Fab 4”—D Gukesh, R Praggnanandhaa, Arjun Erigaisi, and Vincent Keymer, alongside Alireza Firouzja—heralding a new era of competitive balance where no single player dominates. This essay explores India’s chess renaissance, the factors driving its success, and the exciting future of global chess with India at its core.

A Golden Year for Indian Chess

In 2024, India’s chess landscape was transformed by landmark achievements. D Gukesh, at just 18, became the youngest-ever undisputed World Chess Champion, defeating China’s Ding Liren in a thrilling 14-match showdown in Singapore. This victory made him only the second Indian after Viswanathan Anand to claim the prestigious title, earning him ₹1 crore from the All India Chess Federation (AICF). Concurrently, Koneru Humpy, India’s top female player, clinched her second World Rapid Chess Championship title in New York, scoring 8.5 points out of 11 and defeating Indonesia’s Irene Sukandar. Her triumph, rewarded with ₹50 lakh by the AICF, marked her as one of only two players to win multiple rapid titles, alongside China’s Ju Wenjun. Adding to this, Divya Deshmukh secured the GM title, becoming the fourth Indian woman to achieve this honor, further solidifying India’s depth of talent. These milestones, coupled with India’s gold at the 2024 FIDE Chess Olympiad in Hungary, underscore the nation’s dominance.

Technology and Accessibility: The Catalysts of India’s Chess Boom

GM Srinath Narayanan attributes India’s chess surge to the democratization of the game through technology. Smartphones, online platforms like Chess.com, and accessible training resources have made chess a household pursuit, especially among the youth. Unlike the past, where access to high-level coaching was limited, today’s aspiring players can analyze games, study grandmaster strategies, and compete globally from their devices. This technological revolution has unearthed talents like Gukesh, Praggnanandhaa, and Erigaisi, who honed their skills in this digital ecosystem. Narayanan notes that India’s vast population, combined with this accessibility, has created a pipeline of prodigies, with young players like five-year-old Aarini Lahoty, India’s youngest FIDE-rated female player, already making waves. This environment has not only nurtured individual brilliance but also fostered a culture of chess excellence across the country.

The “Fab 4” and a New Era of Competitive Balance

Srinath Narayanan’s “Fab 4” analogy—comparing Gukesh, Praggnanandhaa, Erigaisi, and Germany’s Vincent Keymer (with France’s Alireza Firouzja as a close contender)—captures the shifting dynamics of global chess. Unlike the eras dominated by singular titans like Garry Kasparov or Magnus Carlsen, the current landscape is marked by a cluster of elite players excelling across formats. Gukesh, now world champion, showcased unmatched resilience in classical chess. Praggnanandhaa, ranked world No. 4 with a 2779 rating, earned a silver medal at the 2023 Chess World Cup. Erigaisi, despite missing the rapid title, finished fifth in the 2024 World Rapid Championship, while Keymer’s victory at the 2025 Chennai Grand Masters signals his ambition to challenge for the world crown. Firouzja’s dynamic play adds further depth to this group. Narayanan predicts that this competitive balance will define the future, with no single player monopolizing success but rather a vibrant rivalry pushing the game to new heights.

India at the Heart of Chess’s Future

India’s rise is not just about individual triumphs but also about its growing influence on the global stage. The AICF’s support, including substantial cash awards and infrastructure investments, has bolstered this momentum. For instance, the federation awarded ₹3.2 crore for India’s Olympiad gold, reflecting its commitment to fostering talent. Players like R Vaishali, who earned a bronze in the 2024 World Blitz Championship, and emerging stars like Divya Deshmukh highlight the depth of India’s chess ecosystem. Posts on X echo this sentiment, celebrating young talents like Praggnanandhaa and Deshmukh, whose “baby steps” have turned into “giant strides.” As Koneru Humpy noted, these achievements inspire countless youngsters to take up chess professionally, ensuring a steady stream of talent. With India hosting prestigious events like the Chennai Grand Masters, the nation is not only producing champions but also shaping the global chess narrative.

A Future of Intense Rivalries and Shared Brilliance

The future of chess promises thrilling rivalries and collective excellence, with India at its epicenter. The “Fab 4” and players like Firouzja are set to engage in fierce battles across classical, rapid, and blitz formats, each bringing unique strengths to the board. Gukesh’s classical prowess, Praggnanandhaa’s tactical genius, Erigaisi’s versatility, and Keymer’s strategic depth will keep fans on edge. India’s role extends beyond players, with its technological infrastructure and passionate chess community driving the game’s global growth. As Narayanan suggests, this era of competitive balance will inspire innovation and elevate chess’s appeal, making it a sport of shared brilliance rather than singular dominance.

Read Also: Manu Bhaker Shines at Asian Shooting Championship with Bronze Medal

Get the latest Bollywood entertainment news, trending celebrity news, latest celebrity news, new movie reviews, latest entertainment news, latest Bollywood news, and Bollywood celebrity fashion & style updates!

HOW DID YOU LIKE THIS ARTICLE? CHOOSE YOUR EMOTICON!