Recap 2024: India's Golden Year in Chess

Chess in India has witnessed a remarkable surge in popularity and success in recent years, with 2024 marking a historic milestone. This year, Indian chess players dominated on the domestic front and made significant strides in international tournaments, culminating in D Gukesh's momentous victory at the World Chess Championship. This comprehensive review delves into the key events and achievements that have shaped the landscape of Indian chess in 2024.

Dominating the Domestic Arena

India hosted a plethora of chess tournaments in 2024, providing aspiring players with ample opportunities to hone their skills and gain recognition. The All India Chess Federation (AICF) calendar was packed with events, including rapid rating opens, IM-norm closed circuit tournaments, and international grandmaster tournaments. These tournaments witnessed fierce competition, with Indian players consistently showcasing their exceptional talent and strategic prowess. Notably, many young Indian players are emerging and performing well in these tournaments, highlighting the depth of young talent in India. For instance, 11-year-old Madhesh Kumar S secured the second position at the 1st Bangalore GM Category B Below 2000 Rating Tournament.

Rapid Rating Opens

Rapid rating opens were a significant part of the domestic chess scene in 2024. These tournaments provided a platform for players to compete in a fast-paced format and improve their quick thinking and decision-making abilities. Some of the notable rapid rating opens held in India in 2024 include:

 IM-Norm Closed Circuit Tournaments

The Tamil Nadu State Chess Association organized a series of IM-norm closed circuit tournaments, aimed at providing opportunities for talented players to achieve International Master norms. These tournaments featured both Indian and foreign players, fostering a competitive environment and facilitating the growth of Indian chess.

International Grandmaster Tournaments

India also hosted several international grandmaster tournaments, attracting top players from around the world and providing a platform for Indian players to compete against the best.

Furthermore, five GM tournaments were scheduled in India between December 2024 and January 2025, taking place in Bhubaneswar, Madurai, Chennai, and Goa. These tournaments provided valuable opportunities for players to score norms, increase their ratings, and compete for substantial prizes. Additionally, the "Odisha Open The 15th International GrandMaster Chess Festival 2024-25" was held in Bhubaneswar, further enriching the domestic chess calendar.

Triumphs in International Tournaments

Indian chess players continued their impressive form in international tournaments throughout 2024. Nihal Sarin won the Uzbekistan International Open, showcasing his exceptional skills on the global stage.

Tata Steel Chess India Rapid & Blitz

The Tata Steel Chess India Rapid & Blitz, held in Kolkata, saw strong performances from top Indian players like Arjun Erigaisi, Vidit Gujrathi, and Nihal Sarin. The tournament featured notable international players like Magnus Carlsen, further elevating the level of competition and providing valuable experience for the Indian contingent. Notably, Arjun Erigaisi became the second Indian player to cross the 2800 Elo rating mark, solidifying his position as one of the top players in the world.

FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships 2024

The FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships 2024 were held in New York, showcasing the highest level of competition in these fast-paced formats. While specific results for Indian players are not available, their participation in this prestigious event highlights their growing presence on the international stage.

World Junior Chess Championship for the Blind and Visually Impaired

In the World Junior Chess Championship for the Blind and Visually Impaired, held in Bengaluru, Megha Chakraborty and Tijan Gawar led the Indian contingent, showcasing the inclusive nature of chess in India.

Chess Olympiad

The Indian chess team made history by winning the Chess Olympiad for both men and women in 2024. This remarkable achievement showcased the depth of talent and the growing strength of Indian chess on the world stage.

Gukesh's Historic World Championship Victory

The pinnacle of India's chess success in 2024 was undoubtedly D Gukesh's victory at the World Chess Championship. At the age of 18, Gukesh became the youngest undisputed world champion, defeating Ding Liren in a thrilling match held in Singapore. This victory was particularly significant as it brought the World Championship title back to India after Viswanathan Anand's loss in 2013. The final was an all-Asian affair, with Gukesh emerging victorious after a hard-fought battle against the reigning champion, Ding Liren. Gukesh's journey to the championship was marked by exceptional performances in the Candidates Tournament and the Chess Olympiad, where he showcased his remarkable talent and strategic brilliance. Notably, Gukesh broke Garry Kasparov's long-standing record as the youngest world champion, a testament to his exceptional talent and dedication.

Vaishali's Grandmaster Title

Vaishali Rameshbabu made history by becoming only the third woman in India to achieve the full-fledged Grandmaster title. This achievement further highlights the growing strength of women's chess in India.

The Rise of Divya Deshmukh

Divya Deshmukh continued her impressive rise in the world of chess, winning the World Junior Chess Championship 2024 title in the girls' section. Her exceptional performance solidified her position as one of the leading young talents in Indian chess.

Impact of Gukesh's Win

Gukesh's historic win has had a profound impact on the chess landscape in India. His victory has inspired a new generation of chess enthusiasts and solidified India's position as a chess powerhouse. Gukesh's success has captured the imagination of young Indians, demonstrating that with dedication and hard work, they too can achieve global recognition in the world of chess.

The Future of Chess in India

Gukesh's historic win, coupled with the strong performances of other Indian players, has solidified India's position as a dominant force in the world of chess. The future of chess in India is bright, with a growing pool of young talents emerging and making their mark on the international stage. The increasing popularity of chess in India, fueled by initiatives like Chess Arena and the support of organizations like World Chess and the All India Chess Federation, is paving the way for a new era of chess dominance. The government's support for chess and the belief that India will dominate the chess world in the future further strengthens this optimistic outlook. Online platforms like Chess Arena are making chess more accessible to players in India, potentially contributing to the country's future dominance.

2024 has undoubtedly been a landmark year for Indian chess. Indian chess players have consistently demonstrated their exceptional skills and strategic brilliance, dominating domestic tournaments and achieving international acclaim. Gukesh's World Championship victory has brought immense pride to the nation and inspired a new generation of chess enthusiasts. With a bright future ahead, India is poised to continue its reign as a global chess powerhouse, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of chess.

With inputs from: IM Swayangsu Satyapragyan