India’s double gold at the 45th Chess Olympiad has signalled the rise of a new world order in the cerebral game. As the legendary Garry Kasparov aptly put it, “Vishy’s children” have come of age, not only securing Viswanathan Anand’s enduring legacy but also elevating it to unprecedented heights. What Anand couldn’t achieve in his illustrious career, the young brigade has delivered in stunning fashion in Budapest.
Anand's influence extends beyond being a beacon of inspiration. Like the Soviet Union’s famed Botvinnik Chess School, Anand has meticulously nurtured Indian talent through his own academy, guiding young minds with invaluable camps — especially during the Covid pandemic — and arranging funds for their overseas travel. Fittingly, one of his proteges, D.
Gukesh, who earlier clinched the Candidates Tournament to become the next World Championship challenger, has spearheaded India’s dominance at the Olympiad. Clinching all three trophies (including overall title), India stamped their supremacy in the field of 193 teams in the Open and 181 in the Women’s section. The team of Gukesh (18), R.
Praggnanandhaa (19), Arjun Erigaisi (21), Vidit Gujrathi (29), and P. Harikrishna (38) led throughout the tournament, winning 10 matches and drawing just one. For veterans like Harikrishna and D.
Harika (33), the dream of winning the Olympiad took over two decades. For young Gukesh & Co., success has come rather swiftly.
The journey from last edition’s bronze to.
