Tamil Nadu, renowned as the “chess factory” of India, is set to cement its position as a global chess hub with the announcement of a new initiative – the ‘Home of Chess,’ a dedicated academy aimed at producing more grandmasters from the state. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin made the announcement during a felicitation ceremony held for D. Gukesh, the newly crowned World Chess Champion, in Chennai on Tuesday.
The Chief Minister reflected on Tamil Nadu’s illustrious chess legacy, starting with Viswanathan Anand, India’s first Chess World Champion in 2000. “From felicitating Grandmaster Viswanathan Anand two decades ago to celebrating another World Champion, Gukesh, Tamil Nadu has come a long way. Today, the state proudly boasts 31 grandmasters out of India’s total of 85,” Stalin remarked.
The establishment of the academy, under the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT), will serve as a world-class training center for aspiring chess players, offering top-notch coaching and resources. “This initiative will help elevate the game of chess in Tamil Nadu, inspiring a new generation of players to follow in the footsteps of legends like Anand and Gukesh,” Stalin said.
D. Gukesh, who became the youngest-ever World Chess Champion by defeating China’s Ding Liren in the final in Singapore earlier this week, expressed gratitude to Tamil Nadu for nurturing his talent. Reflecting on his journey, Gukesh said, “It all began here in Chennai at the Chennai Grand Masters in 2023. The city and its chess culture have been instrumental in shaping my career.”
A Boost for Tamil Nadu Sports
The felicitation ceremony, which was attended by players from various sports under the SDAT umbrella, emphasized the state’s commitment to fostering sports excellence. Stalin urged the gathering to take inspiration from Gukesh’s achievement. “Every sportsperson should aspire to stand on such a stage one day,” he said.
With the establishment of the ‘Home of Chess,’ Tamil Nadu hopes to build on its legacy, inspiring many young players to achieve international success. “I am confident that with this facility and the spirit of Gukesh’s victory, Tamil Nadu will soon see a sharp rise in the number of grandmasters,” Stalin concluded.
This initiative is set to strengthen Tamil Nadu’s reputation as a powerhouse for chess, further solidifying its title as the “chess factory” of India.