For decades, the global chess landscape has been defined by shifts in power, the rise and fall of grandmasters, and the occasional emergence of a prodigy. But what we are witnessing now is not merely a shift; it is a seismic rearrangement, a fundamental redefinition of who commands the intellectual battleground of the 64 squares. The era, as famously declared by none other than Garry Kasparov, of “Vishy`s children” is not just upon us – it has firmly taken root, transforming the very fabric of competitive chess with an almost strategic inevitability.
The Godfather`s Gambit: Viswanathan Anand`s Enduring Legacy
The moniker “Vishy`s children” is more than a casual nod; it is a profound recognition of Viswanathan Anand`s singular, almost mythical influence. Once India`s lone wolf at the pinnacle of world chess, Anand didn`t just win titles; he cultivated a culture. His legacy isn`t confined to his rapid calculations or his world championships; it lies in the inspiration he ignited across a nation, proving that a non-European could ascend to the sport`s highest echelons. Every young Indian grandmaster now gracing the world stage seems to have, at some point, shared a moment, a lesson, or even just a photograph with the living legend. Anand, in his current role as a mentor and guide, serves as the quiet, reassuring godfather, watching his `family` conquer the very world he once dominated as a singular force. One might even suggest he`s enjoying his well-deserved, vicarious victories from the sidelines.
Fearless Frontiers: Gukesh and the New Generation
The recent exploits of players like Gukesh Dommaraju are testament to this new paradigm. His journey to the World Championship crown, first through a fiercely contested Candidates tournament and then against the reigning champion Ding Liren, was not just a display of exceptional talent, but of an almost audacious fearlessness. Against seasoned veterans and higher-rated opponents, Gukesh played with a remarkable lack of reverence for reputation or historical precedent. His unwavering resolve to push for a win, even when a draw seemed the most logical and safe outcome, is a defining characteristic of this new breed. It`s a mindset that suggests a deep understanding of the game coupled with an almost playful disregard for its traditional limitations, as if the concept of `settling` is simply not in their playbook.
Breaking Barriers: Women`s Chess and Divya Deshmukh`s Ascent
The resurgence isn`t confined to the open category. For years, women`s chess has largely been a Chinese stronghold, a testament to their systematic development programs and formidable champions. Yet, the recent FIDE Women`s World Cup in Batumi, Georgia, delivered a poignant counter-narrative: an all-Indian final between Divya Deshmukh and the experienced Koneru Humpy. Deshmukh`s triumph, securing her Grandmaster title in the process, was more than a personal victory; it was a powerful statement. It demonstrated that Indian women are not just participating; they are actively challenging established hierarchies, pushing boundaries with the same tenacity and ambition seen in their male counterparts. This win, much like Gukesh`s, underlines a broader, systemic rise that promises to reshape the top echelons of women`s chess, proving that formidable talent can indeed emerge from any corner of the globe.
The Unending Conveyor: A Sustainable Pipeline of Talent
What makes this Indian dominance particularly compelling is its apparent sustainability. It`s not a fleeting moment of brilliance from one or two individuals, but a continuous `conveyor belt` of talent. With three Indian players now comfortably nestled in the top six of the open FIDE standard ratings and four in the top twenty of the women`s ratings, the numbers speak for themselves, loudly and clearly. Beyond the headline-makers like Gukesh and Praggnanandhaa, names like Arjun Erigaisi, Nihal Sarin, Vidit Gujrathi, and R Vaishali consistently feature in high-level tournaments, often on the cusp of or firmly within the elite ranks. This depth suggests a robust support system, dedicated coaching, and perhaps a national passion for the game that few other countries can rival. It appears India has figured out a way to clone chess brilliance, albeit through natural means.
Moreover, this generation exhibits a delightful diversity in strengths. While Gukesh and Praggnanandhaa shine in classical chess, Erigaisi has proven his mettle in faster time controls, and Sarin has made a name for himself with his lightning-fast online play, which he is now assiduously translating to over-the-board performances. This multifaceted strength ensures that India isn`t just a force in one format; it`s a formidable presence across the entire spectrum of competitive chess, hinting at a long-term, multi-pronged assault on global titles.
The Inevitable Question: India vs. India?
The burgeoning talent pool inevitably leads to an intriguing, almost poetic question: an all-Indian World Championship match. Once a far-fetched dream that even a peak Vishy Anand might have dismissed as a fantasy, it now hovers on the horizon as a very tangible possibility. The notion of two `Vishy`s children` battling for the highest honor in chess might not materialize in the immediate 2026 cycle, but dismissing its potential occurrence in the near future would be an act of strategic folly. The competitive landscape is shifting so rapidly that yesterday`s impossibility is today`s headline, and tomorrow`s expectation.
Indeed, global chess is not merely witnessing a strong wave from India; it is experiencing a foundational shift. The pieces are moving, the strategy is unfolding, and the board is increasingly colored by the saffron, white, and green. As the chess world collectively observes this fascinating transformation, one cannot help but recall a popular sentiment, adapted for this grand intellectual sport: Chess is, quite definitively, coming home. And home, it seems, is now irrevocably in India.
Marcus Bellamy