Chess ecosystem offers lessons for other sports

Source: This post Chess ecosystem offers lessons for other sports has been created based on the article ‘champion nation’, published in Business Standard on 23^rd April 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2, Government policies for various sectors

News: Teenage grandmaster Dommaraju Gukesh has just won the right to challenge world chess champion Ding Liren. At just 17 years old, Grandmaster Dommaraju Gukesh has become the youngest challenger, for the world championship title, in the history of Chess.

It is a significant milestone for Indian chess and a testament to the country’s thriving chess culture.

India had the largest contingent in the tournament, with five of the 16 participants. All the participants in the tournament were the world’s best players, as winning meant a chance to challenge the present champion.

Present status of chess ecosystem in India

India’s chess prowess is built upon a strong foundation, with 84 grandmasters, 124 international masters, 23 women grandmasters, and 42 women international masters.

India boasts a vast pool of over 30,000 regular rated tournament players. It is the largest in the world, along with a thriving coaching ecosystem and a vibrant open tournament circuit.

What are the factors that are supporting India’s success in Chess Games?

First, the game’s accessibility and egalitarian nature, where talent can emerge from all socio-economic backgrounds, have contributed to its popularity among Indian parents and youth.

Second, the Indian contestants were well-supported with Cloud-based electronic resources, financial backing from the government and private enterprises. It ensures they had access to top-notch training and preparation.

Third, Chess players in India benefit from the country’s cheap data plans and high mobile broadband penetration. It helps players to hone their skills online through electronic databases, analytical resources, and 24×7 chess websites.

Fourth, the success of Indian chess can be attributed to excellent branding and role models like Viswanathan Anand. Furthermore, Chess is perceived as cerebral activity that fosters skills like focus and logical thinking, therefore, it has high social support and acceptance.