New Delhi (Agency): Indian chess is experiencing a golden age, according to legendary Grandmaster (GM) Viswanathan Anand, who lauded the current generation of players for their impressive achievements on the world stage.
Anand’s comments come at a time when Indian players are attracting international attention, notably at the Chess World Cup in Baku (Azerbaijan), where young Grandmaster Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa is competing in the final against the reigning world number one, Magnus Carlsen of Norway.
Anand expressed his astonishment at the fact that most of the current Indian players, especially those under 20, possess a 2,700-plus Elo rating, terming it as “special.” Speaking to news magazine The Week, Anand said, “I’m throwing in the title early, but they are a golden generation. They are all in the 2,700-plus group (Elo rating). And they’re all under 20. That just does not happen; it’s really something special.”
He emphasized that these players are likely to spend the next ten years at the top of the chess world, enjoying rivalries, collaborations, and friendships. He also expressed delight at seeing many Indians competing at international events, a stark contrast to his time when he often found himself the sole Indian participant.
Reflecting on the transformation of the game, Anand noted that chess has changed substantially in recent years, especially with the advent of computers providing instant best moves. Though this change impacts how experience and wisdom can be passed on to younger players, Anand showed a willingness to share his psychological and emotional insights without being too prescriptive.
“So, how does my experience compare with them? I have to be careful. I can share what I think and leave it in the air, but I can’t be too prescriptive,” Anand concluded.
The recognition of a “golden generation” by a legend like Anand underlines the significant progress Indian chess has made in nurturing young talents and achieving global prominence. The combination of experienced mentors like Anand and the burgeoning young talents signals a promising future for Indian chess, with potential impacts on the sport’s popularity and growth within the country.