Chennai: India’s Hub for World-Class Chess Champions ♕♞

On August 10, 2024, Chennai celebrated a young star who brought unprecedented glory to Indian Chess Champions. Hundreds of students gathered at Velammal Nexus school, cheering for their hero, Gukesh Dommaraju. The 18-year-old grandmaster, clad in his school uniform, was welcomed with grand festivities. Drones lit up the sky with his face, and the school presented him with a luxurious Mercedes-Benz to honor his achievements—despite him not yet having a license to drive.

Gukesh’s rise is remarkable. He recently became the youngest player to win the prestigious Candidates Tournament, securing a spot to challenge reigning world champion Ding Liren. The highly anticipated World Chess Championship in Singapore will see Gukesh take on Ding in 14 intense matches, symbolizing the pinnacle of a chess journey that started in the unassuming yet dedicated schools and academies of Chennai.

Chennai: A Chess Powerhouse in Tamil Nadu(Chess Champions)

Tamil Nadu has become the epicenter of Indian chess, producing 31 of the country’s 85 grandmasters. With icons like five-time world champion Viswanathan Anand paving the way, the state has established a strong ecosystem to nurture future champions. Schools such as Velammal Nexus have played a significant role, turning young talents like Gukesh, Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa, and Rameshbabu Vaishali into global stars.

Velammal’s exclusive chess academy, led by coach Velavan Subbiah, has become a factory for chess prodigies. Starting as a parent volunteer, Velavan transformed the academy into a hub for over 2,000 students across the group’s 15 schools. The school’s commitment to chess goes beyond weekly classes—it supports young champions by waiving fees, providing travel grants, and organizing workshops to hone their skills. Even toddlers as young as four begin their training, highlighting how deeply ingrained chess is in the community.

The Journey of a New Generation

The new wave of Indian chess talents owes much to the legacy of Viswanathan Anand. Young players like Praggnanandhaa, Vaishali, and Nihal Sarin are now leading the charge, mentored by Anand himself. These prodigies are not only winning titles but also inspiring a new generation to take up the sport. In rural areas and cities alike, chess has gained popularity as a “brainy” pursuit, supported by families and schools alike.

Praggnanandhaa’s parents, for example, made personal sacrifices to ensure their children succeeded in chess. Their story is not unique. Many families in Tamil Nadu have invested everything—from time to money—to support their children’s dreams. For Gukesh, this meant his father stepping back from a successful career as an ENT surgeon to accompany him to tournaments. Similarly, the Rameshbabu siblings’ mother travels with them to ensure they maintain a disciplined routine even during global competitions.

A Strong Ecosystem of Support

Chennai’s success as a chess hub is built on several factors: dedicated coaches, family sacrifices, government initiatives, and a supportive community. State-level programs introduced chess into schools, offering coaching to children as young as seven. This early exposure, combined with structured training from top academies like Chess Gurukul and Hatsun Chess Academy, has produced a steady stream of champions.

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Major events like the 2022 Chess Olympiad, relocated to Chennai due to global geopolitical shifts, also played a key role in popularizing the sport. The city celebrated the event with life-sized chess mascots and themed decorations, igniting public interest. With bipartisan political support and community backing, Tamil Nadu’s chess culture has flourished.

Sacrifices Behind the Success

For many families, the path to chess stardom is paved with sacrifices. Nine-year-old prodigy Sharvaanica Anburoja Saravanan, for instance, became Asia’s youngest female Candidate Master despite her family’s financial challenges. Her parents sold household items, including furniture and a refrigerator, to fund her training and travel to tournaments. Today, Sarvanana is coached at Hatsune Chess Academy, where she continues to make waves internationally.

These sacrifices often extend beyond finances. Parents frequently accompany their children to competitions, balancing travel with their own professional responsibilities. Coaches like GM Ramesh and Vishnu Prasanna also work tirelessly to ensure these young talents succeed, offering both guidance and encouragement.

The Future of Chess in India (Chess Champions)

The rise of chess in Tamil Nadu is not just about individual achievements. It represents a cultural shift where intellectual pursuits are celebrated. Chennai’s chess academies are filled with young minds determined to make their mark. Schools integrate chess into their curriculums, while parents and coaches form a supportive network to navigate the demanding chess calendar.

As Gukesh takes on the world’s best at the World Chess Championship, he carries the hopes of an entire generation. His success symbolizes the dedication, passion, and perseverance of Chennai’s chess community, setting the stage for India’s continued dominance on the global chessboard.

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