Chennai: Legendary Indian chess Grandmaster (GM) Viswanathan Anand has hailed the current generation of Indian chess players as a "golden generation" due to their exceptional talent and achievements on the global stage.
Anand's praise comes as Indian chess players continue to shine in the Chess World Cup in Baku (Azerbaijan), where young GM Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa is competing in the final against reigning world no. 1 Magnus Carlsen of Norway.
In an interview, Anand expressed his amazement at the remarkable performances of the current crop of Indian chess players. He noted that a significant number of these players possess an Elo rating of 2,700 or above, a feat that is particularly impressive given that many of them are under 20 years old. Anand referred to this achievement as "special."
Anand enthusiastically dubbed this generation the "golden generation," highlighting their potential to dominate the chess world for the next decade. He anticipated that these young players would not only compete as rivals but also form strong bonds of friendship and camaraderie.
The former world chess champion also acknowledged the shift in dynamics compared to his own playing days. Anand expressed his delight at witnessing a significant increase in the number of Indian players participating in international events.
Sharing his perspective on the changing landscape of chess, Anand acknowledged the influence of technology and the evolving strategies due to the advent of powerful chess engines. Despite these changes, he remained willing to impart his experiences and insights to the new generation.
"While I would offer advice, especially concerning psychological and emotional aspects, the game itself has transformed significantly. In my formative years, our focus was on discovering better moves. However, in the age of instant computer-generated moves, the thinking process has evolved. My role is to share my perspective, leaving room for interpretation without being overly prescriptive," he said.