In the quiet lanes of Chennai, where the sea breeze carries dreams of ambition, one name resonates like a perfectly executed checkmate: Viswanathan Anand. Known affectionately as “Vishy,” Anand is not just India’s first chess grandmaster but the architect of a chess revolution that has transformed the nation into a global powerhouse. Today, at 55, Anand’s legacy extends beyond his five world championship titles. Through his mentorship, he is shaping the future of Indian chess, guiding prodigies like D Gukesh, R Praggnanandhaa, and Arjun Erigaisi to unprecedented heights. This is the story of Vishy Anand’s masterclass—both on and off the boat
The Spark That Ignited a Revolution
In 1988, when Anand became India’s first grandmaster, chess was a niche pursuit in a cricket-obsessed nation. His rise to the world stage, culminating in his first world championship title in 2000, changed the narrative. Anand’s success inspired a generation, proving that Indian minds could dominate a game rooted in logic and strategy. By 2025, India boasts over 80 grandmasters, with Tamil Nadu alone contributing 26. Anand’s hometown, Chennai, has become the epicenter of this chess renaissance.
Anand’s influence is not merely symbolic. In 2012, he founded the WestBridge Anand Chess Academy (WACA), a platform dedicated to nurturing young talent. “I wanted to give back to the game that gave me everything,” Anand said in a recent interview at his Chennai home, surrounded by an eclectic collection of chess sets. WACA has become a crucible for India’s chess prodigies, offering world-class training, access to international coaches, and exposure to high-level competition.
Mentoring the New Guard
The academy’s most notable success story is D Gukesh, who, at 18, became the youngest world chess champion in 2024, surpassing even Garry Kasparov’s record. Gukesh’s journey began under Anand’s watchful eye at WACA. “Vishy sir taught me to stay calm under pressure,” Gukesh shared after his Norway Chess 2025 performance, where he held his own against Magnus Carlsen. Anand’s mentorship goes beyond tactics; he instills resilience, a quality that has defined his own career.
R Praggnanandhaa, another WACA alumnus, made headlines in 2022 by defeating Carlsen at 16. Now ranked among the world’s top 10, Praggnanandhaa credits Anand for his strategic clarity. “He doesn’t just teach moves; he teaches you to think like a champion,” Praggnanandhaa said. Similarly, Arjun Erigaisi, India’s highest-rated player in 2025 with an ELO of 2,801, attributes his rapid ascent to Anand’s guidance on balancing aggression and patience.
Anand’s approach is hands-on yet subtle. He tailors his coaching to each player’s personality, recognizing that no two minds work alike. “Gukesh loves deep calculations, while Pragg is intuitive. My job is to sharpen their strengths and plug their gaps,” Anand explained. His ability to connect with teenagers half his age is remarkable, blending the wisdom of a veteran with the enthusiasm of a peer.
A Cultural Shift
Anand Dighe has catalyzed a cultural shift in India. Chess is no longer an elite pastime but a mainstream aspiration. Schools across Tamil Nadu and beyond have integrated chess into their curricula, inspired by Anand’s advocacy. Corporate sponsorships, once scarce, now flow freely, with companies like WestBridge Capital and Tata Steel backing young players. The government, too, has taken note, with initiatives like the Khelo India program supporting chess at the grassroots level.
This transformation is visible in Chennai’s chess cafes, where children as young as six analyze games with the intensity of grandmasters. At one such cafe, 11-year-old Priya Srinivasan, a rising star, said, “I want to be like Gukesh, but Vishy sir is my hero.” Parents, too, see chess as a pathway to discipline and success. “Anand showed us that chess can be a career, not just a hobby,” said Ramesh Kumar, a Chennai-based engineer whose daughter trains at WACA.
At 55, Anand remains a formidable player, ranked 13th globally with an ELO of 2,743. His recent performances in rapid and blitz formats, including a strong showing at the 2025 Tata Steel Chess Tournament, underscore his enduring brilliance. Yet, Anand’s focus has shifted to legacy-building. “Winning titles was my dream. Now, seeing these kids win is even more fulfilling,” he said.
Anand’s influence extends to the global stage. As deputy president of FIDE, he is pushing for chess’s inclusion in the Olympics, a goal that could elevate the game’s prestige. His diplomatic skills, honed over decades, are evident in his efforts to bridge divides within FIDE, including past tensions with Kasparov. “Chess is bigger than any individual,” Anand noted, emphasizing unity.
Viswanathan Anand -life style:
The chess revolution faces challenges. The pressure on young players is immense, with global expectations weighing heavily. Anand is acutely aware of this. “We need to protect their mental health,” he said, advocating for sports psychologists at WACA. Funding, too, remains a hurdle for players from smaller towns, though Anand’s academy offers scholarships to bridge the gap.
Looking ahead, Anand envisions an India where chess is as celebrated as cricket. With Gukesh’s world title and the emergence of talents like Nihal Sarin and Vaishali Rameshbabu, that vision is within reach. The 2026 Chess Olympiad, hosted in India, will be a litmus test for the country’s dominance. Anand, as both mentor and ambassador, will be at the forefront.
Viswanathan Anand’s masterclass is not confined to the 64 squares of a chessboard. It is a lesson in perseverance, humility, and giving back. From a lone grandmaster in 1988 to the godfather of India’s chess revolution, Anand has redefined what is possible. As he guides the next generation, his legacy grows, move by move, checkmate by checkmate.
In Chennai, where it all began, Anand’s home remains a shrine to chess and intellect. A wooden board, gifted by Kasparov, sits proudly, a reminder of battles past. But Anand’s gaze is fixed on the future, on the young minds who will carry his torch. “This is just the beginning,” he said with a smile. For Indian chess, under Vishy’s mentorship, the game has never been more alive.
Last Updated on: Wednesday, July 9, 2025 5:38 pm by Ankur Srivastava | Published by: Ch Saketh on Wednesday, July 9, 2025 5:02 pm | News Categories: Sports
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