In a highly anticipated return, Indian chess legend Viswanathan Anand is set to compete on home soil for the first time in six years. The five-time world champion will begin his campaign at the Tata Steel Rapid and Blitz Chess India tournament in Kolkata this Wednesday, carrying the weight of his monumental legacy and national pride.
A Legendary Return to the Indian Chess Board
For decades, Viswanathan Anand single-handedly propelled Indian chess onto the global stage, becoming an inspirational figure for countless aspiring players. His return to competitive action in India marks a significant moment for the sport in the country. The 56-year-old grandmaster, who remains ranked among the world's elite, is participating in the high-profile event after a prolonged absence from the domestic competitive scene.
A Personal Challenge: The Mentor vs. His Protégés
The tournament presents a uniquely personal challenge for Anand. He will be facing off against his own pupils, a formidable new generation of Indian chess talent he helped nurture. While the reigning world champion, D Gukesh, is not participating, the event will be headlined by a powerful Indian trio: Arjun Erigaisi, R Praggnanandhaa, and Nihal Sarin.
All three young stars are products of the WestBridge Anand Chess Academy (WACA), an institution founded by Anand in December 2020 to develop future champions. They arrive at the tournament in excellent form, setting the stage for a compelling clash between the master and his disciples. This dynamic adds a deeply personal narrative to the high-stakes competition.
The Stage is Set in Kolkata
The Tata Steel Rapid and Blitz Chess India tournament in Kolkata promises to be a thrilling spectacle. Anand's return is the central storyline, drawing attention to the rapid evolution of Indian chess. The event underscores how the legend's efforts, through WACA, are now bearing fruit, creating a cohort of world-class players capable of challenging their mentor.
This tournament is more than just another competition; it is a symbolic passing of the torch, albeit one where the torchbearer is still fiercely competitive. Chess fans across India and the world will be watching closely as Viswanathan Anand writes a new chapter in his storied career, defending his legacy against the very future he helped create.
