India’s Chess Prodigies: A New Era of Global Dominance

The world of chess is witnessing a tectonic shift, a magnificent spectacle orchestrated by a new generation of Indian masters. Gone are the days when a single nation dominated the global chessboard; today, the landscape is painted with the vibrant hues of India`s youth, earning them the moniker: “Vishy`s Children.” This isn`t merely a flattering nickname; it`s an acknowledgment of a profound legacy, a testament to the mentorship and inspiration provided by the legendary Viswanathan Anand, whose influence has culminated in an unprecedented wave of success.

The Crowning of Champions: Gukesh and Divya Lead the Charge

Gukesh Dommaraju: World Champion at an Unprecedented Age

Garry Kasparov, a man who knows a thing or two about chess dominance, encapsulated the sentiment perfectly: “The `children` of Vishy Anand are on the loose!” His words, uttered first when Gukesh Dommaraju conquered the Candidates tournament in 2024, resonated even louder when Gukesh ascended to the World Championship throne, defeating the formidable Ding Liren. What makes this feat truly remarkable is Gukesh`s audacious approach. Despite being the youngest in the Candidates` field and facing higher-rated opponents like Fabiano Caruana, Hikaru Nakamura, and Ian Nepomniachtchi, he showed no reverence for established hierarchies. His relentless pursuit of victory, even in positions hinting at a draw, speaks volumes about the fearless spirit now synonymous with Indian chess.

Divya Deshmukh: Breaking Barriers in Women`s Chess

The male contingent isn`t the only one rewriting history. The recent FIDE Women`s World Cup in Batumi, Georgia, provided another compelling chapter. Divya Deshmukh, in an all-Indian final against Koneru Humpy, clinched the biggest prize of her career, simultaneously achieving the coveted Grandmaster title. This victory is particularly significant as it challenges China`s long-standing stronghold in women`s chess – a dominance that has spanned decades. Divya, like Gukesh, embodied an unwavering determination. She grappled with complex endgames against top players, pushing through challenges posed by Zhu Jiner, Harika Dronavalli, and Tan Zhongyi. Her resilience, often against the odds, ultimately paid off, signaling a potential shift in the global balance of power in women`s chess.

A Deep Bench: India`s Unparalleled Talent Pool

The “Vishy`s Children” phenomenon extends far beyond these two champions. India`s chess ecosystem is a veritable conveyor belt of prodigious talent, threatening to turn the concept of “dominance” into an understated observation. In the open FIDE standard ratings, India now boasts three players in the top 6, and four in the top 20 of women`s standard ratings. This depth is truly astounding:

• Open Category: Alongside Gukesh, players like R Praggnanandhaa and Arjun Erigaisi are firmly entrenched in the top echelons. They are closely followed by Vidit Gujrathi and Aravindh Chithambaram, who are consistently knocking on the door of the top 20.
• Women`s Category: Beyond Divya Deshmukh and the experienced Koneru Humpy, R Vaishali and Harika Dronavalli are consistent performers, with Vantika Agrawal adding to the formidable roster. The prospect of multiple Indian participants in future Women`s Candidates tournaments is not just a possibility, but a strong likelihood.

While classical chess has seen players like Gukesh and Praggnanandhaa shine, others like Arjun Erigaisi have demonstrated immense potential in faster time controls, coming close at events like the World Rapid Championships and the eSports World Cup. Nihal Sarin, too, is known for his speed and online prowess, aiming to translate that rapid-fire brilliance to over-the-board success.

The Anand Effect: Godfather of a Golden Generation

It`s easy to overlook the quiet force behind this revolution: Viswanathan Anand himself. He is not merely a retired champion but an active “godfather,” closely observing, mentoring, and inspiring this generation. His presence, his experience, and his belief in these young minds have provided a fertile ground for their rapid development. Imagine telling Anand at his peak that one day he would witness an all-Indian World Championship match, contested by players lovingly dubbed “Vishy`s children.” The very thought might have seemed fantastical then, yet now, it`s a prospect dismissed only by the unwise.

What Lies Ahead: A Chess Empire in the Making?

The journey to absolute dominance is, of course, fraught with challenges. Improvement in faster time controls is a noted area for several Indian players. Yet, the current trajectory suggests something remarkable. With Gukesh already destined for the World Championship match, and Praggnanandhaa, Erigaisi, and others vying for spots in the Candidates tournament, the future looks unmistakably Indian.

The global chess scene is not just changing; it is being reshaped with an Indian imprint. The fearless strategy, the relentless drive, and the sheer depth of talent signal the dawn of an unprecedented era. As Garry Kasparov keenly observed, “The era of `Vishy`s children` is truly upon us!” For those who cherish the intricacies of the 64 squares, the coming years promise a fascinating spectacle. In essence, for the game of chess, it truly feels like it’s coming home – to India.