Kolkata: It took years for an Indian to break into the World Chess Championship (WCC) cycle after Viswanathan Anand. And when it happened, we saw three Grandmasters make the Candidates this time. But GM Surya Sekhar Ganguly feels that it was not something unusual, but rather the beginning of a new chess culture in India. Ganguly, who was in Toronto as a second to GM Vidit Gujrathi, watched D Gukesh emerge as the challenger to World champion Ding Liren by winning the meet.
As Anand said recently, one need not be a tourist but live there (at the highest stage of world chess).Ganguly feels that will be a reality now.
“I feel it’s just the beginning. I will not be surprised to see more of them or even someone new making the cycle soon,” he told TOI on Wednesday after his return to the city.
“I have the good fortune of watching all these youngsters from very close quarters and none of their achievements really surprises me anymore. They have the personality and character to go the distance. Not only Gukesh or Pragg (R Praggnanandhaa), but Nihal (Sarin) and Arjun (Erigaisi) could have also made the grade this time. They are all so humble, down to earth, eager to learn and focussed that nothing goes to their heads. The way Gukesh made a comeback after the seven-round loss speaks volumes about how they approach challenging situations. It’s very difficult to shake them,” Ganguly pointed out.
The Bengal boy felt the seeds of this success had been reaped years back when some top chess players like Vishnu Prasanna and RB Ramesh took up coaching. “These coaches helped their wards to stay on course without being distracted by outside noises. And of course, they got the benefit of getting Anand by their side too,” said Ganguly, who himself was a second to the multiple World champion thrice in World Championship matches.
The multiple national champion is hopeful of seeing an Indian World champion later this year. “On paper, Liren will start as favourites. But will that matter for Gukesh? I will say no. See none of Gukesh, Pragg or Vidit were favourities in the Candidates too, but the way they played, anybody could have won the meet. Afterall, the game is played on the board and starts with zero-all score,” he concluded.