By Abhishek Tongia
In 2013, under the glowing lights of Chennai, a quiet storm passed through the chess world.
Viswanathan Anand — the five-time World Chess Champion, India’s first Grandmaster, and a global chess icon — faced a young prodigy from Norway named Magnus Carlsen. The result: a historic loss that ended Anand’s reign and crowned a new king.
But what the world mistook for a checkmate… was actually the opening move of a masterful gambit
When Anand surrendered the world title to Carlsen, many thought it marked the twilight of an era. But for Anand, it was the beginning of a new one.
He didn’t retreat. He reimagined.
Instead of focusing solely on reclaiming his title, Anand looked inward — and then outward. He began to nurture what would become India’s golden generation of chess. Like a Grandmaster seeing 20 moves ahead, Anand initiated something bold and subtle.
He gave up personal dominance — not out of resignation, but as a strategic sacrifice to build something greater: a nation of champions.
🏛️ WestBridge Anand Chess Academy: Planting the Seeds
In 2020, Anand launched the WestBridge Anand Chess Academy (WACA) — a modern sanctuary for India’s most promising minds on the 64 squares.
Here, he wasn’t just teaching tactics. He was passing on:
- The mental resilience of a World Champion.
- The strategic clarity needed for elite play.
- The composure under pressure that only experience can forge.
Under his quiet, unshakeable mentorship, a new generation began to bloom — not just as good players, but as fearless competitors ready to challenge the throne.
Today, Anand’s disciples are doing something unthinkable: consistently taking on Magnus Carlsen himself — and sometimes beating him.
Let’s meet the new warriors of Indian chess:
♞ R Praggnanandhaa – The Carlsen Slayer
At just 16, he stunned the world by beating Carlsen in rapid format — multiple times. Calm, clinical, and confident, Pragg is Anand’s spiritual heir in style and humility.
♞ D Gukesh – The Classical Conqueror
The youngest player ever to beat Carlsen in classical time control. A future World Championship contender who carries Anand’s focus and positional brilliance.
♞ Arjun Erigaisi – The Strategist
A rising powerhouse with a deep opening repertoire and steely endgame. He has pushed Carlsen to the limit in top tournaments — a mind honed by WACA’s rigour.
♞ Nihal Sarin – The Blitz Genius
Speed, precision, nerves of steel. He might just be India’s best hope in faster formats, channeling Anand’s speed-chess mastery with youthful flair.
🧠 Anand’s Masterstroke
This isn’t coincidence. This is a calculated, long-term strategy — a life-sized Queen’s Gambit.
He gave up his grip on the crown…
To open the board for others.
To inspire belief in a billion minds.
To raise warriors who could rewrite India’s chess destiny.
True greatness isn’t just about winning — it’s about making others great and that’s what Anand has done.
Today, Indian chess is no longer an emerging force, it is a global powerhouse. With multiple players above 2700 Elo, India is the only country producing prodigies who are consistently challenging Carlsen.
Anand’s legacy is no longer measured by trophies. It’s measured by the young legends he’s shaping, the fire he ignited, and the kingdom he built — move by move.
So the next time you see an Indian teenager take down a world champion, remember:
That victory started in 2013…
Not with a win, but with a sacrifice.
A Queen’s Gambit — played not on the board, but in real life.
And Viswanathan Anand?
He didn’t lose a crown.
He created a legacy that will echo across chessboards for generations.
Just the result speaks volumes now as there are 3 Indians in top 10 and 7 in the top 30 in World Chess Rankings (Classical) as of today the maximum for any country.
Contributing author: Abhishek Tongia is a passionate cricket aficionado based in Sydney, Australia, where he has resided for over a decade. With a deep love for the game, he actively engages in discussions and writings about cricket across various platforms. Outside of his cricket obsession, Abhishek is a seasoned IT Professional and Solution Architect, applying his technical expertise in his everyday work.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author. The Australia Today is not responsible for the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information in this article. The information, facts, or opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of The Australia Today and The Australia Today News does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.
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