Checkmate: Tamil Nadu’s Chess Supremacy Explained

This dominance can be attributed to a few key factors.

Strong chess culture and ecosystem

Chess has been deeply ingrained in Tamil Nadu’s culture for decades. The state has a rich history of chess clubs, tournaments, and publications that have nurtured the sport. The Tal Chess Club in Chennai, established in 1972, was an early hub that helped launch the career of India’s first grandmaster, Viswanathan Anand. Schools in Tamil Nadu are also known to be very supportive of chess prodigies, providing them with flexible schedules and resources to pursue the game.

Influential role models

Tamil Nadu has produced several chess legends who have inspired generations of players. Viswanathan Anand, the country’s first grandmaster, is a global icon who put Indian chess on the map. Manuel Aaron, the first Indian international master, and Subbaraman Vijayalakshmi, the first Indian woman grandmaster, also hail from the state. Not to mention the Grandmaster brother-sister duo currently taking the world by storm — Praggnanandhaa and Vaishali Rameshbabu. Having such influential role models has motivated countless youth in the state to take up the sport.

Competitive environment

With so many strong players concentrated in one state, Tamil Nadu naturally fosters a highly competitive chess environment. Young players are constantly challenged by their peers, driving them to improve their skills and achieve higher titles. This healthy competitive pressure, combined with the state’s supportive ecosystem, has allowed Tamil Nadu’s chess talents to thrive.

Sathuranga Vallabhanathar Temple

The Sathuranga Vallabhanathar temple in Thiruporur, Tamil Nadu, holds historical significance for Indian chess. The name of the temple translates to “Lord who is fond of the game of chess”, and it is believed to be one of the oldest places of worship dedicated to the game. The temple’s existence underscores Tamil Nadu’s deep cultural roots in chess and its enduring popularity over the centuries.

Prominent chess players from Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu has produced many of India’s greatest chess players, including:

• Viswanathan Anand: India’s first grandmaster and five-time world champion.
• Manuel Aaron: India’s first international master.
• Subbaraman Vijayalakshmi: India’s first woman grandmaster.
• Sasikiran Krishnan: Grandmaster and former Asian champion.
• Adhiban Baskaran: Grandmaster and former national champion.
• Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu: One of the world’s youngest grandmasters at age 12.
• Vaishali Rameshbabu: Woman grandmaster.
• Shyaamnikhil Prashant: India’s 85th grandmaster as of 2024.

These players have not only achieved great success individually but have also helped elevate the status of chess in India. Their accomplishments have inspired countless young people in Tamil Nadu and across the country to take up the sport.

Tamil Nadu’s dominance in chess is the result of a unique combination of cultural factors, influential role models, and a competitive environment that has nurtured generations of chess talents. The state’s chess legacy is deeply intertwined with its history and identity, as exemplified by the Sathuranga Vallabhanathar temple. As long as Tamil Nadu continues to produce world-class players, it will remain the epicentre of India’s chess revolution.